Increased risk of grass fires this summer

With the increased risk of grass fires this fire season, a risk that is expected to continue throughout the winter and the year, the NSW Rural Fire Service is reminding farmers of the importance of taking preventative measures as well as preparations for the eventuality of a grass fire.

“Grass fires are our primary concern this fire season. They can start easily and spread quickly and represent a serious threat to life and property,” Monaro RFS Inspector Darren Marks said.

“The higher than average rainfall we’ve seen over the past 12 months has contributed to high levels of growth. The annual grasses have now dried out and we could certainly see a blow-up day where with some really serious and dangerous grass fires.”

The majority of properties devastated by fire never fully recover. With the potential for millions of dollars in loss and damage, you can’t afford not to have a plan. The NSW RFS has worked with farmers to create the Farm Fire Plan to help manage fire risks on your land. You can download your Farm Fire Plan at www. rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-andprepare/farm-fire-safety.

In terms of the risk for this fire season, there are a number of steps you can make to better prepare for and prevent grass fires on your property.

Preparation

The best defence against grass fires is distance. If possible, keep long dry grass at least 10 metres away from your house, so slash and mow around your house and other assets, aiming to keep the grass less than 10 centimetres high.

Limit areas where burning grass can lodge or get into your house, such as, broken tiles or bricks, gaps in the walls and around windows and doors, or underfloor areas.

Cut back trees and shrubs overhanging or adjacent to buildings and clean up any fallen leaves, twigs and debris around the property. Keep your gardens well maintained.

It is also important to have hoses long enough to reach around your entire house and remember never to drive through a grass fire.

Prevention

Of course, the safest fire is the one you don’t have. However, grass fires can be started very easily, so there are a number of things you can do to better avoid an ignition.

Many grass fires are started by machinery, particularly mowers and slashers so avoid slashing on hot, dry, windy days. Consider slashing in the early morning and avoid afternoons when the humidity is at its lowest.

When mowing and slashing, keep an eye out for old fencing wire or rocks that might spark. Also avoid using spark machinery such as grinders and welders near long grass.

Ensure your machinery used in paddocks is in good condition and has spark arrestors. It is also worth carrying water and/or an extinguisher when mowing and ensuring permanent pumps and generators are surrounded by an area with reduced fuel.

Some of the more obvious things you can do are ensure any fires are completely extinguished, don’t dump ashes in grass or bush areas and observe Total Fire Ban restrictions. Also, make sure to check your property for fires after lightning.

The threat of grass fires is expected to continue right through the winter season as the high grass levels become frost-cured, and this, coupled with the lower than average stocking rates over the past few years, has firefighters worried.

“All it takes is one bad day to see grass fires and potential grass fires travel very quickly and dangerously, impacting lives and doing huge amounts of damage. So, I’d urge everyone to be aware of the risk of grass fires in the coming months and beyond and to take appropriate steps to mitigate potential fire risk on their property.”

To find out more about how you can reduce the risk of fires on your property, contact your local brigade captain or the Monaro Fire Control Centre on (02) 6455 0455, or visit ww.rfs.nsw.gov. au/plan-and-prepare.

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• Small animal breeders, such as rabbits and cavies

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While quad bikes are great farming vehicles, farm owners and operators must be aware that quad bikes are high risk vehicles and are not safe for use in all terrains or for all tasks. Pushing a quad bike beyond its limitations could have deadly consequences. To ensure safety: choose the right vehicle for the job (it might not be a quad bike) install a roll bar / operator protective device

• make sure everyone is trained to safely operate a quad bike – free training is available

• choose the safest route – look out for obstacles protect your head – always wear a helmet regularly check tyre pressure

• no kids under 16 on adult-sized quad bikes

• tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.

Quad bikes are the biggest killer on Australian farms.

Since 2001, there have been more than 280 deaths in Australia from quad bike incidents.

The main cause of serious injury and death is from quad bike roll over.

Roll over can occur suddenly, even at low speeds and on flat terrain, putting the operator at risk of injury or death from being thrown from the vehicle, trapped, or crushed beneath it. Protect yourself and your workers from crush related injuries in the event of a roll over – install a roll bar.

An operator protective device (OPD), also referred to as a crush protection device (CPD) or roll bar, is an engineered attachment that is fitted to a quad bike.

They are designed to help protect riders from crush related injuries from the weight of the quad bike in the event of a roll over.

Rebates

If you own or operate a farm in NSW you may be eligible for a rebate of up to $2000. Up to $600 for each OPD is available. There are two OPDs on the Quad Bike Safety Rebate Program. Information courtesy of SafeWork NSW.