Fire protection is an important issue when farming in places like Australia, the drier parts of New Zealand, and America.
You need to consider the total property when planning for fire.
Fire hazard mapping involves identifying known hazards such as;
main roads, picnic areas, forests etc
and locating assets in relation to these hazards.
A fire prevention plan should be prepared if you have any fire risk at all on your property.
This plan should include the following principles and points:
• Cleared firebreaks should adjoin property boundaries and main subdivision lines.
• Keep plantations set back from main buildings and use fire resistant native species as well as grassed areas to provide a barrier.
• Water storages should have good access points for fire vehicles and adequate capacity.
• Maintain alternative fire fighting equipment as power is usually an early casualty of larger fires.
• Plan for and maintain good access tracks to all parts of your property.
• Plan where you would move your stock in the event of a fire.
If you consider that all members of your family and/or staff will be required to act quickly and effectively to remain safe during a fire event; then it is worthwhile to write a step by step fire fighting plan and put it up in a prominent position. Quite frequently fear creates the greatest risk to cohesive thought, especially when dealing with fire; this plan will be a reference point to assist all to stay safe and keep the property safe. Your local fire brigade will have plenty of further information; avail yourself of this.
