News
9 May, 2024
Fire prevention never too early
Attendees learned about fire safety and volunteering, as the Stanley River Rural Fire Brigade (RFB) Group staged a Bushfire Preparedness Information Hub and recruitment session at the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre last Wednesday night (May 1).
About 30 people came from Kilcoy and the surrounding brigade areas such as Mount Kilcoy, Hazeldean, Villeneuve, Stony Creek and Stanmore.
The displays featured aspects such as recruitment information, understanding Fire Danger Ratings, bushfire preparedness, permits and restrictions, warnings and current incidents, home fire safety, and High Risk Area mapping and identification.
Officers and volunteers from each of the brigades were on hand to provide the best possible local information available for the upcoming fire season, as a number of concerns and queries were raised.
Villeneuve RFB secretary Jacob Murphy said the event was a success, while there were nine enquiries about recruitment and the onboarding process, with five people ready to sign up immediately.
“Before attending the night, these Kilcoy residents were unaware of the volunteering opportunities available so close to home,” Mr Murphy said.
The Villeneuve RFB secretary also said these people had “a desire to give back and learn more about their community”.
“Bushfire season can start as early as July, with peak fi re activity occurring in spring,” Mr Murphy said.
“While we’re in the cooler months, it’s a good time to start undertaking Permitted Hazard Reduction Burning and maintaining their properties. “Fire wardens and local brigades are there to assist wherever possible.”
Community members are encouraged to visit www.qfes.qld.gov.au/prepare/bushfire for information on Bushfire Preparedness, Permitted Burns Map, Current Warnings, Incidents/bushfires and volunteering opportunities.
