As we approach the Summer season it is important that you and your loved ones are prepared in the case of a bushfire. In recent years bushfires have become more intense and more devastating with 2019-2020 being some of the worst in Australia’s history. Around 19 million hectares of land were destroyed, over 3000 homes burned down and over 1 billion animals perished in this short time.
Below is a simple primer on what causes bushfires, and what you can do to ensure your home is prepared in the advent of one.
What causes Bushfires in Australia?
There are many factors that impact bushfires in Australia. Some of these include the amount of rainfall, the type of vegetation, and the topography of the land. Bushfires can also be started by lightning strikes, human activities, and also the adverse summer temperatures.
The most common cause of bushfires in Australia is actually humans. People are responsible for around 85% of all bushfires in the country each year. This can be from things like campfires that aren’t properly extinguished, or even just throwing a cigarette butt out the window.
One of the biggest factors that determines how severe a bushfire will be is the amount of fuel available to burn. The more dry vegetation there is, the easier it is for the fire to spread and the more intense it will become. This is why bushfires often occur during times of drought, when there hasn’t been enough rainfall to green things up.
Another big factor is the topography of the land. If there are a lot of hills and valleys, that can create pockets of air that help the fire to spread. But if the land is mostly flat, it’s easier for firefighters to contain the blaze.
Of course, weather conditions play a big role in bushfires as well. If it’s been very hot and dry, that creates the perfect environment for a fire to start and spread. Wind can also be a factor, as it can help to fan the flames and carry the fire to new areas.
All of these factors need to be considered when trying to prevent or fight bushfires. By understanding how they work, we can hopefully avoid some of the devastation that they can cause.
Another factor of vegetation to consider in Australia, are Eucalyptus Trees.
Eucalyptus trees have long been associated with bushfires in Australia. The oils in the leaves of these trees are highly flammable, and when they catch fire, they can create a fierce inferno. In addition to the oils in their leaves, eucalyptus trees also have a high water content. This means that when they catch fire, they can create a lot of smoke and steam, which can make it difficult for people to breathe.
Bushfires are a major problem in Australia, and eucalyptus trees are a big part of that problem. When this happens, these fires claim the lives of hundreds of people and destroy thousands of homes. In addition to the damage they cause, bushfires also release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change.
Eucalyptus trees are not the only trees that can contribute to bushfires, but they are certainly a major factor. If you live in an area that is prone to bushfires, it is important to be aware of the dangers these trees pose. If you have eucalyptus trees on your property, you should consider removing them.
So what can we do about this?
Below are some simple but essential steps you can take to prepare yourself, along with this you can visit Rural Fire Service page for more information
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Have a family survival plan
In the advent of a bushfire, it is extremely important that you and your family are well prepared, this includes an early evacuation plan, having a safe place to go, as well as knowing what necessities to bring with you.
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Conduct a Bushfire Risk Assessment
The first step in protecting your property from bushfires is to conduct a bushfire risk assessment. This will help you identify the areas of your property that are most at risk from bushfires. It will also help you develop a plan to protect those areas.
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Create a Defensible Space
One of the best ways to protect your property from bushfires is to create a defensible space. This means clearing your home or business of any combustible materials. This will help to prevent the spread of fire if a bushfire does occur.
This includes branches, twigs, leaves, and anything else that could become extremely combustible. You should be checking every corner of your property for combustible debris, especially your roof and gutters.
Additionally trees or plants on your property you think could be a hazard should be removed.
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Ensure your home is fire ready
When building or renovating, use fire-resistant materials wherever possible. This includes things like brick, concrete, and metal. These materials will help to protect your property if a bushfire does occur. Make sure any exposed tiling, or gaps in your home are sealed to prevent the fire from getting inside the home.
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Install Firebreaks
Depending on your living situation, a firebreak may be a necessary measure when protecting your home.
To put it simply, a firebreak is a strip of land that has been cleared of vegetation. This will help to stop the spread of fire if a bushfire does occur. While this will not stop embers from spreading into more flammable areas, it helps stop the fire on the ground from spreading uncontrollably.
If your property contains Eucalyptus Trees or are looking to remove trees in general in preparation for the dry seasons. Plateau Tree’s has years of experience in fast and effective tree removal services in Sydney. We also provide Land Clearing Services if you’re looking to set up a Firebreak on your property. Contact us Today to learn more about how we can help.