Bushfires

Managing fire is vital for protecting our homes and maintaining environmental habitats. Queensland's bushfire season traditionally runs from August to December each year, so it is important to be prepared. 

Complete your household emergency plan and you’re ready for bushfires and other severe weather like storms, floods and heatwaves.   

Create your household emergency plan

What Council is doing

Council carries out the following activities to manage bushfire:

• bushfire management planning
• constructing and maintaining firebreaks and management access tracks
• conduct regular planned burns on Council land to reduce wildfire risk and maintain the health of bushland. Council aims to reduce the amount of fire fuel such as dead wood, by 75% over the 60 to 80% of the land being burned
• bushfire monitoring
• community engagement
• working with Queensland Fire Department.

What you can do

Make a plan

You can prepare for Bushfires and other severe weather by making a household emergency plan, packing an emergency kit and staying informed.

Prepare your property

Residents are encouraged to prepare their own properties ahead of the bushfire season, especially if their property backs onto or is near a bushland area.

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises properties that are well prepared are far more likely to survive a bushfire. To protect your property against bushfires you should:

• check to see if the vegetation on your property is protected under the Natural Assets Local Law 2003 (NALL) with the online checker or by phoning Council on 07 3403 8888
• clear space around buildings
• clear and remove undergrowth near buildings
• fill in any gaps around windows, door frames and eaves
• protect larger under deck areas with non-flammable screens
• rake up bark, leaves and twigs
• make sure your property has clear access for fire trucks.

For more tips on preparing for the bushfire season, refer to the protecting your property page and the Rural Fire Service bushfire survival plan.

Fire bans

Fire bans may be in place across areas in Queensland. For details on locations and how this may impact you, visit the Queensland Fire Department website.

Protect yourself from smoke

Smoke inhalation can cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory system, and can potentially cause people with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart and lung disorders to experience a worsening of symptoms. Find out how you can protect yourself against smoke inhalation.

Find out more

If you suspect a bushfire, first check whether the fire is part of Council's planned burns program. For more information, phone Council on 07 3403 8888.