Brigade warns of fire hazards

THE Palmwoods Rural Fire Brigade has warned that residents should not become complacent and neglectful of their properties as the peak fire season approaches.

PRFB President Keith Golinsky said residents had been lulled into a false sense of security since the introduction of the fire levy in Maroochy Shire rates.

"During the past few years, the fire levy has been included in rates and residents may tend to believe that because they are paying this levy, the fire brigade is more readily available to them," he said.

"Residents need to recognise that this levy is only for the provision of equipment and does not extend to staff. The brigade is still made up of volunteers and unnecessary call outs cost time and money."

Mr Golinsky said wet winters often posed a higher threat during peak fire season which is generally recognised as being between September and December.

"The Fire Service is saying it could be a bad season this year as we have had a considerable amount of rain which leads to more vegetation and growth and poses a higher threat in the dry season," he said.

"The two to three months preceding the fire season are considered the best times to manage fire hazard by cleaning up properties and arranging burn offs."

Mr Golinsky said hazard reduction burns carried out during the winter months reduced damage to native flora and fauna.

"We would carry out approximately 40 burn-offs a year which has lead to a safer environment," he said. "Ultimately we need to keep doing this on a rotational basis of three to four years, depending on the circumstances."

He said people building and living in homes in hazardous areas where bushland was close to the house, were in real danger of bush fires.

The brigade is urging residents to clean up rubbish around their properties and clear dead leaves from roof gutters as a preventative fire measure.

Fire officers have also recommended the installation of smoke alarms.

All fires greater than two cubic metres, when lit, require a permit from the fire warden for that area.

Anyone requiring burn-offs should contact the First Officer of Palmwoods Rural Fire Brigade on 5445 0048.

Residents are expected to provide firebreaks and make a contribution or donation to the brigade for the provision of equipment.

The Rural Fire Brigade is an organised volunteer service for the community.