‘Difference between life or death’: Tasmanians urged to prepare bushfire plan

Tasmanians are being urged to prepare their bushfire plans, a decision which could save lives. How to prepare.

Police and Emergency Services Minister Felix Ellis with acting Chief Fire Officer Jeremy Smith have launched a new campaign Bushfire, why risk it? to urge Tasmanians to prepare their bushfire plan.

Tasmanians are being urged to spend five minutes preparing a bushfire plan, a decision that could be the difference between life and death.

It comes as the state government and Tasmanian Fire Service launched a new campaign, Bushfire, why risk it?, to encourage Tasmanians to prepare ahead of the bushfire season.

“If you haven’t got a plan or if you’re going to make irrational decisions at the heat of a fire impacting on you and your family, it can be life or death,” acting Chief Fire Officer Jeremy Smith said.

“It’s so important to have a plan to think about what you’re going to do and have a backup plan as well.

“What are you going to do if a fire breaks out? Where are you going to get your information from? What valuables are you going to take? Who are you going to inform? Where are you going to go? If you’ve thought about it, you’re going to make some good decisions and make decisions that save your life.”

Crews working to contain a blaze at Dolphin Sands. Image: Tasmania Fire Service.

Mr Smith said bushfires could impact anywhere within the state, especially as climate change and drying conditions continue.

“If you live near or in the bush, you should have a plan at any time during the year. Now we could have a fire that breaks out and impacts you and the community,” he said.

“This plan should build on previous plans. They should have been thinking about this for a number of years about what they’re going to do.”

View at Dolphin Sands as seen from Swansea. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

It comes as two bushfires have engulfed parts of the East Coast in the last two months. Last week, a bushfire Dolphin Sands destroyed homes, forcing residents to shelter at a jetty.

Fire and Emergency Management Minister Felix Ellis said the upcoming summer season could be challenging compared to previous bushfire seasons.

“We know that there are a lot of new Tasmanians, especially in our rural communities and making these preparations for the first time or updating them is absolutely critical,” he said.

“Time spent in preparation is seldom wasted and when it comes to bushfires that couldn’t be more true.”

Mr Ellis said Tasmania is leading the country with its tenure blind fuel reduction program, reducing bushfire risk by 25 per cent.

“We know that we’re going to see more extreme climate events … so that time spent in preparation will help protect our communities and help keep our first responders safe,” he said.