Smart solutions to stop bushfires before they start

Roma's emergency services have called on the whole community to help prevent bushfires.

ACT NOW: QFES Roma area director Inspector Goetz Graf is asking the community to be prepared for bushfires in cold, dry weather. Picture: Jorja McDonnell

OPERATION Cool Burn is under way in the Maranoa, as emergency services prepare the region for bushfire season.

With the Rural Fire Service, SES, council and Main Roads joining forces to reduce risks, they are asking locals to come on board too.

"A lot of people have thought about the emergency services as a response agency but we are also important in preparing and planning ahead,” Inspector Goetz Graf said.

"Right now, conditions are perfect for fires to start and we are encouraging people to do some early bushfire hazard reduction.”

Instead of the usual burning off, Insp Graf is advocating for alternative measures that can have even greater impact.

"Main Roads and the council have already been proactive in doing this in alternative ways: they are slashing and baling grass to use for feed and grazing cattle on the long paddock along the highways, which helps the community too,” he said.

"We need everyone to do their part and they can actually do simple things at home, like cleaning out the gutters and making sure there's no flammable rubbish lying around.”

Originally published as Smart solutions to stop bushfires before they start