Preparing Your Property for Fire Season: Creating Defensible Space

Simply Timber & Roofing
Jan 18
2 min read

To safeguard your property during fire season, it's essential to create defensible space by removing flammable debris such as leaves, twigs, and long grass around your home. Additionally, maintain clean gutters and trim vegetation near buildings to minimize the risk of embers. Consider home improvements like sealing gaps and installing mesh screens to block embers, alongside having an emergency plan and kit ready. Key steps include keeping grass under 10 cm, relocating woodpiles, clearing roofs, and ensuring access for emergency services, all of which help your home withstand ember attacks.

Around Your Home (The "Defensible Space")

Clear Debris: Eliminate dry leaves, bark, twigs, and rubbish from around your house, shed, and fences.
Manage Grass: Maintain grass and weeds at a height of less than 10 cm.
Trim Vegetation: Prune low branches on trees and clear dense shrubs near your buildings.
Relocate Flammables: Move firewood, gas cylinders, and fuel containers away from structures, preferably onto a hard surface.
Gutter Maintenance: Clean gutters of leaves and, if possible, install metal gutter guards.

Home Improvements (Protecting Against Embers)

Seal Gaps: Install seals around doors and windows, and repair gaps in external walls to prevent ember entry.
Roof & Walls: Fix damaged roof tiles and ensure that screens on windows and doors are in good condition.
Under House: Enclose areas under your house (sub-floors) to keep embers out.

Fire Prevention Systems & Access

Water Supply: Ensure your pumps, hoses, and reels are functioning properly.
Fire Extinguishers: Confirm that fire extinguishers are maintained, accessible, and fully charged.
Emergency Lighting: Check that smoke alarms and emergency lighting are operational.
Access: Keep driveways and property access clear for emergency vehicles.

Your Fire Plan & Kit

Create a Plan: Draft a written plan for your family that includes when to leave and what to take.
Emergency Kit: Assemble a "Get Ready" bag with essentials such as documents, first aid supplies, medication, chargers, and pet necessities.

Check Restrictions: Always consult your local council or CFA for current burning-off restrictions before any planned burn-offs.

Protect Your Home and Property with Premium Firefighting Equipment from Simply Timber

Discover top-quality Aussie Fire Pumps in our impressive selection.

We believe these fire pumps surpass and outshine all other portable models available today.

You can rely on these exceptional, high-performance pumps for various tasks, including:

Mop Up & Fire Protection
High-Pressure Water Transfer
Spray Irrigation
High-Pressure Spraying
Boom Spraying
Machinery Wash-Down

Consult with Simon to find the fire pump that best suits your property. Also this Bushfire Survival Guide from Aussie Pumps is worth downloading - https://aussiepumps.com.au/marketing/Dealers/Aussie_BushFire_Protection_Guide.pdf

Additionally, we offer a variety of Megafire Hose Reels, available in lengths of 36m or 50m. All options are user-friendly, easy to maintain, and comply with or exceed Australian Standard AS1221.