smoke alarms and wildfire

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Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 5:38 am

It has been a hectic few days for my crews here in Queensland. Arsonists are lighting fires everywhere with the result that we are doing 12 hour days to cope. On Sunday we had 25 deliberately lit fires in 10 hours within 15 kms of each other. Please, if you see a wildfire, please ring 000 as soon as possible and give as much detail as possible. Please make a note of any car registrations that you think supicious and report them as well. Max penalty here is LIFE for arson.
My closest neighbour's house burned to the ground at 2am Saturday and although we were there within 15 minutes, all was lost. Dogs and chickens died, the occupant escaped. HE HAD NO SMOKE ALARMS. The dogs barking woke him. Usually smoke inhalation will make sure that you don't wake up. PLEASE If you haven't got smoke alarms, buy at least one. Two would be better and I'm sure your life is worth more than $30.00
Fixed penalty notice of $350.00 applies for non compliance but you have to be alive to pay!!!!
Bad times like California and Victoria. Please survive.

Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 5:58 am

Hi Jeff

Nice that you have stopped by and with good advice too.

House fires are so easy too, take it from somebody who's house was involved in a fire that destroyed the house.

Do as Jeff says and check the alarms regularly and practice a fire drill

These are simple things that cost bugger all and it may well save your life.

Houses burn so quickly, you would be amazed

Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 2:43 pm

Jeff, thank you for your dedication to a very difficult and dangerous job. I've seen wildfires on the news all too often here in southern California, and I've heard of the massive blazes you can get in Australia, and I am very grateful for the men and women who put their lives on the line to save the lives and property of others.

You have given excellent advice, and I'd like to add to it just a bit. If you live in a fire-prone area and you hear that non-mandatory evacuations are being called for, get everything important together and GET OUT. Important items: insurance and home ownership paperwork, personal identification, medications, pets, a few days of clothing, and a few mementoes to keep your memories alive even if everything else is gone. Don't overload yourself, though - get all the living, breathing creatures and the paperwork and prescription meds out first; then if there is room, add a few small items.

If you don't want to leave during a non-mandatory evacuation, at least pack the car, leaving room for the people and animals. Then, if the evacuation becomes mandatory - don't be stubborn and stay behind to save the house. It's only a house, and it isn't worth your life.

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