Eighty-eight new Fire Danger Rating signs will be installed on roads across the State to boost awareness of daily risk levels during the upcoming bushfire season.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Eighty-eight new Fire Danger Rating signs will be installed on roads across the State to boost awareness of daily risk levels during the upcoming bushfire season.
Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said the signs would feature a new index in line with national standards, including new danger rating levels of Severe and Catastrophic.
“With the most dangerous months of the year for bushfires fast approaching, it’s vital we do all we can to communicate potential risks to the community,” Mr Roberts said.
“The new Fire Danger Rating index gives a much clearer indication of the true risk of staying and defending a home, particularly on days of the highest fire danger rating levels.
“The FDR is an assessment of the potential fire behaviour, the difficulty of suppressing a fire and the potential of impact on the community should a bushfire occur on a given day.
“A rating of Low-Moderate 0-11 means that a fire will burn slowly and that it will be easily controlled, whereas a rating in excess of Catastrophic 100+ means that a fire will burn so fast and so hot that it will be uncontrollable.
“Although Bureau of Meteorology fire weather forecast records indicate no cases of Catastrophic rating in Queensland, it is important to realise that that the message for all of these categories – especially in the upper end of the scale – is that leaving early is always the safest option.”
Mr Roberts said those living in high-risk areas should check the ratings displayed on the signs as regularly as possible.
“People should also ensure they stay updated on weather conditions throughout the bushfire season and have a clear plan in place should a fire break out,” he said.
“It’s vital that the community is prepared for the worst case scenario – bushfires can very quickly escalate into a life or death situation.”
Mr Roberts said the sign rollout was delivered in partnership with the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
For more information about bushfire preparedness and the Prepare.Act.Survive campaign, visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Minister’s office on 3239 0199
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