Beechmont Rural Fire Brigade volunteers attended the Beechmont Country Markets recently to chat with the community about being prepared for bushfire season.
Getting your property prepared now is important as Fire season typically starts in August and continues until summer rains occur. Make your Bushfire Survival Plan now www.fire.qld.gov.au
Also important is Fireplace Safety. Each winter many brigades are called to fires caused by ash from home heating fires or poorly maintained fireplaces.
Fireplace & Wood Fired Heater Safety
Fireplaces or wood heaters/stoves are popular as heaters in our homes
All home heating systems require regular maintenance to function safely and efficiently.
We urge everyone to keep fireplaces and wood heaters clean.
This can be easily achieved by following this advice.
• Inspect and clean your chimney annually.
• Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials.
• Always use a metal mesh screen with open fireplaces.
• Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Use only seasoned (old and dry) hardwood. Green timber accelerates creosote build-up.
• Never burn cardboard boxes or rubbish in your heater or fireplace.
• Never leave a fire in an open fireplace unattended.
Safely dispose of Ash-pan debris.
• When emptying the fire box, place ashes in a strong metal container, take outside and fill the container with water to completely extinguish the embers.
• Never throw ash under trees or into grassy areas. Embers can easily become a fire, with just a little bit of wind and dry fuel, like grass and leaves.
