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WILDFIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
for the Victor Harbor Area

Wildfire - Who is at threat ?

All those who live in the country and the rural areas of Victor Harbor are at threat from wildfire. The term 'Wildfire' is used because it best describes the type of fires which can threaten life and property and includes bushfire, forest fire and grass fires (more homes are lost in open grassland areas than forest locations).


Devastation caused by wildfire

A wildfire which becomes well established under extreme fire weather conditions, generally cannot be stopped until it burns out, or a favourable weather change occurs. Early reporting of all smoke sightings by the public is therefore essential.

During the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires, more than 2,000 houses were destroyed by fire in South Australia and Victoria. More recently, 185 houses were destroyed in the 1994 Sydney fires.

Those who are well prepared for wildfires are in the best position to protect themselves and save their own homes.


When wildfire approaches

In the event of a wildfire approaching your home, there will be a shower of sparks and embers ahead of the main fire front. You should expect strong winds and heavy smoke which will make it dark and reduce visibility. The main fire front will generally pass in 5 to 15 minutes, during which time radiant heat may become unbearable for any persons outside. Sparks and embers may continue to bombard the home for several hours after the front has passed.


Victor Harbor's wildfire threat

Victor Harbor Council area includes over 35,000 hectares of rural land, in which there are about 600 homes.

In Victor Harbor, there are several hundred small acreage 'Rural Living' properties, many of which, could come under threat by wildfire at the same time. Should this occur, there would be insufficient fire suppression resources available to protect all properties.

Rural residents in Victor Harbor area also need to be aware that on days of extreme fire danger and high winds, power will be shut off to the rural areas. This will leave many properties without the protection of their electric water pressure pumps.


How do wildfires destroy homes & lives ?
Generally, most homes are destroyed by sparks and embers blowing into them. Homes where proper preparation and fuel reduction have been carried out are much more likely to survive the initial fire front and provide a safe shelter to its occupants.

Lives can be lost when people make a last minute decision to escape a wildfire. Life and property can be saved by able bodied people staying in their home with adequate equipment, timely preparation and planning.


IF YOU CHOOSE TO STAY


Before the Fire Danger Season:

  • Prepare the home as a safe refuge
  • Reduce flammable material around home
  • Install and maintain firefighting equipment
  • Clearly identify house (eg. RAPID number)
  • Prepare sturdy clothing & woollen blankets
  • Prepare a Family Action Plan


During a fire:

  • Dress in clothing to cover exposed skin
  • Close all doors and windows
  • Fill bath, sinks, buckets with water
  • Place metal ladder against roof
  • Block gutter down pipes and fill with water
  • Start firefighting pump
  • Wet down area around house
  • Turn off gas and electricity
  • Bring pets inside
  • Put a ladder inside for ceiling access
  • Place wet towels under doors, windows
  • Remove curtains
  • Shelter in home
  • Drink water every 10 minutes
  • Monitor fire advice on local radio station with battery powered radio
  • Fire will take 5-15 minutes to pass by


After the fire has passed:

  • Check family and pets
  • Check and extinguish spot fires inside and outside home
  • Continue to run sprinklers
  • Check water supply
  • Continue to patrol in and around home

 


PREPARING YOUR HOME AGAINST WILDFIRE
within the Victor Harbor Area

PLANNING AHEAD

The potential for wildfire annually threatens life and property. However, provided that timely preparation and planning has been carried out prior to the fire season, your home can be a safe refuge.

The following information has been prepared by the Victor Harbor District Bushfire Prevention Committee, as a guide for making your home a safe refuge in the Victor Harbor area.

(The Victor Harbor District Bushfire Prevention Committee is established by the City of Victor Harbor pursuant to the requirements of the Country Fires Act, 1989)


1. Reduce Fire Hazard

One of the most important factors which determines the survival of homes is the amount and density of ground fuel around the home.

HALVING THE FUEL LOAD, YOU CAN REDUCE FIRE INTENSITY TO A QUARTER.

  • Cut down grass and clear away all fallen branches, leaves and dead undergrowth within 20 metres of the home (30 to 40 metres on steep slopes approaching the home).
  • Clear all dry grass and bark mulch back from house walls.

  • Space trees and shrubs so that there is not a continuous canopy or line of vegetation leading to the house.

  • Prune lower branches to provide a vertical fuel break to prevent ground fires spreading into trees.

  • Keep gutters clear of leaves and twigs.


2. Spark Proofing

Most houses destroyed by wildfires have caught fire on the inside, caused by burning debris and sparks blown in through windows, doors, eaves, the roof space or under the house.

  • Fit metal flywire mesh or solid screens to spark proof windows, doors, ventilators and skylights.

  • Box in or screen eaves and under-floor areas.

  • Seal gaps in the roof area along the ridge cap and fascia board.


3. Water Supply

A minimum of 22,000 litres (5,000 gallons) of water should be available at all times for the purpose of firefighting (5,000 litres [1,000 gallons] for locations with reticulated water supply).

  • Fit water supply with a 5hp (3.7kw) fuel driven pump or system that operates independent of mains electricity supply and capable of pressurising water for firefighting.

  • Bury all non-metal water supply pipes at least 300mm below ground.

  • Fit firefighting pump with a delivery hose with a minimum diameter of 19mm and capable of reaching all parts of the house.

  • Place protective housing around the water pump to protect from radiant heat and fuel vaporisation.

  • Provide access to the water supply for use by the fire service.


4. Property Access

Fire appliances when responding to emergency calls are at times unfortunately delayed or restricted when gaining access to some homes, due to narrow or overgrown driveways. Fire appliances, as used in Victor Harbor, are about 2.4 metres in width and height and weigh 8-10 tonne.

Narrow overgrown driveways can also represent a fire risk to the occupants when entering or leaving the property during a fire.

  • Driveways/access roads to the home should be of all-weather construction.

  • Access roads to have a minimum formed surface width of 3 metres, with vegetation cleared a minimum width and height of 4 metres for clearance.

  • Gateways to have a minimum width of 3 metres.

  • 25 metre turn around areas or 'T' or 'Y' shaped turn around areas should be provided.


5. Vegetation

Suitable trees and shrubs can be established and maintained as a shelter belt which can reduce fire intensity, reduce wind speed, deflect sparks and provide some protection against radiant heat.

Trees should not be planted closer to buildings or powerlines any closer than their equivalent mature height.


6. Firefighting and Safety Items

The following items should be prepared for each home to protect against the dangers of wildfires.

  • Provision of firefighting water, pump and hose as previously mentioned under Water Supply.

  • Metal Buckets and mops for ember attack.

  • Towels that can be wet and used to seal gaps under doors and window sills.

  • Metal ladder long enough to allow you to check roof cavity and eaves.

  • Torch to help you check roof cavity.

  • Portable battery radio to listen to warning and safety broadcasts.

  • First aid kit.

  • Mobile phone.

  • Knapsack or water extinguisher to extinguish spot fires.

  • Protective clothing to shield from radiant heat (including: wide brimmed hat or helmet, long sleeve overalls or shirt and long pants - wool or cotton, goggles, gloves, solid footwear, mask - handkerchief or towel and protective woollen blankets and towels).


REALISING THE DANGER

One of the greatest dangers from wildfires, is not the fire flame itself, but the severe radiant heat which can be generated from wildfires. People and animals can be killed by this radiant heat without even coming into direct contact with the flames. Radiant heat is also dangerous because it can transmit through the glass in the windows of your house or car.

Surviving a wildfire therefore depends largely on having a safe refuge from this heat while the main fire front passes. Even if your house catches alight, it is still a refuge until the fire front passes and it is safe to go outside.



Further Fire Prevention Information

Further fire prevention information is available during working hours from the Victor Harbor Council Office, Bay Road, Victor Harbor, and from the Council's Fire Prevention Officer:

FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER
C/- City of Victor Harbor
PO Box 11, Victor Harbor SA 5211
Phone 8551 0500    Fax: 8551 0501
Email: Council Fire Prevention Officer

 



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