How Sydney Residents Prevent Bush Fires
Controlled Burning of Leaves and Debris in New South Wales Australia
Sep 22, 2009
Bush fires are a constant fear for the residents of leafy suburbs in New South Wales, Australia. The Eucalyptus trees that flourish in this part of the world are particularly susceptible to fire and their leaves, which are being shed constantly, are particularly hazardous.
In order to avoid risk of bush fires it is necessary to clear up the leaf litter and debris that is constantly falling onto the ground. Controlled burning of debris has been practiced since time immemorial by the native aboriginal peoples of Australia, a lesson that was learned in the past the hard way by European newcomers.
Regular Clearing of Leaf Litter Prevents Bush Fires
The clearing of fallen leaves and branches needs to be done at least every two years, yearly if possible. Normally this work is undertaken through the cooperation of emergency volunteer fire brigade teams and local residents. Firstly the residents undertake the arduous task of raking and piling the leaves.
After this has been done, the local volunteer fire teams come along with their fire engine and set light to the piles of leaves, whilst keeping their hose pipes at the ready in order to keep the fire from getting out of control.
Failure to Do Controlled Burning Causes Disasters
The consequences of not doing regular controlled burns can be disastrous. In February 2009 fires raged across the State of Victoria destroying huge swathes of land north of Melbourne wiping entire towns off the map. Approximately 200 people lost their lives during these fires. Hundreds of homes were destroyed and factories and wineries were burned out.
One witness commented that the flames were 40 storeys high and raced like an express train across the countryside destroying everything in their path. Many burned out cars were later found littering the roads testifying to the doomed efforts that people made to escape from the inferno. People were comparing the damage that was done to the aftermath of a nuclear bomb, so complete was the destruction of homes and farmland.
The number of dead far eclipsed the toll from “Ash Wednesday” in 1983, the nation’s last large-scale bush-fire disaster when 75 people died in Victoria and New South Wales, and the extent and severity of the damage has left the state, and the country, in deep shock.
Volunteer Fire Brigades Organise to Prevent Fires
Understandably, in a land where fire can be like a monster running out of control, measures need to be taken on a large scale to keep the risks to a minimum. Hence the volunteer fire brigades who can be called on to support the state fire services in cases of emergency.
The recent fires have shocked the Australian people into taking regular action against bush fires, but it is a job that cannot be undertaken solely by the local government and so residents have also been persuaded that it is wise to take a proactive role in fire prevention.
Over Half of the Bush Fires Caused by Arsonists
It is an unfortunate fact according to the Australian Institute of Criminology, that over half of the fires are started by arsonists. Two arsonists were arrested for their part in the Ash Wednesday fires. It is hard for society to understand what could possibly motivate such crimes to be committed.
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