We should learn from the bush fire happening now in a Canadian province where 50 Australian firefighters are deployed to battle rapidly spreading bushfires that have forced 39,000 people to evacuate from their properties.

The Australian Standard for the Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas – AS3959 – 2009 – establishes the requirement for the construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas to improve their safety when they are subjected to burning debris, radiant heat or flame contact generated from a bushfire.

Forms of Bush Fire:

Bush fires are part of the Australian environment, as our population increases and property development spreads further into  bush land areas, there is an increase in the  potential  for human tragedy

  • Wind

    – Strong winds resulting from a severe bush fire will move embers into the built environment preheat and dry fuel ahead of a bush fire, lifting roofing and extending flames along a more horizontal plane closer to building elements.

  • Smoke

    – Smoke cause minimal damage to property, but it can severely affect the health of the occupants causing respiratory disorders. It can also reduce the visibility during an evacuation resulting in traffic accidents.

  • Embers

    – Ember attack is responsible for most building fires. It causes spots in advance of the bush fire and can ignite building elements.

  • Radiant Heat

    – Radiant heat can critically harm the health of occupants as well as the stability of the building elements. It can impede the emergency services personnel assisting occupants of at risk properties

  • Flame

    – Flames restrict firefighting operations as well as causing ignition of building elements as well as threatening the health of occupants and their capability to evacuate the building.

Bush fire

Reasons for having a Bush Fire Emergency Plan

Emergency planning aims to develop the preparedness of at risk facilities from a bush fire attack. The plan should identify the step by step procedure to be followed should there be a fire threat in the area.

  • Preparing for a bush fire emergency plan helps determine the triggers when to leave early or prepare to defend your property.
  • Preparing for a bush fire emergency plan allows time to prepare for potential major decisions if there is a bushfire attack.
  • A prepared and practised bush fire emergency plan will act as a guide for occupants to know where to go and what they need to do in an emergency
  • A prepared and practised bush fire emergency plan will help identify resources that will be needed.
  • A well-prepared bush fire emergency plan will contain contingencies and a backup plan if the primary plan fails.

As a facility manager, building owner, tenant or occupant, you should establish an emergency plan to help you take action and avoid making last minute decisions that could prove disastrous during a bush fire. Ensure that everyone in your facility discusses the plan and knows how to deal with a fire emergency.

Do you need help in developing an emergency plan that suits your business or facility? At EvacServices, we are here to give you confidence and peace of mind in your emergency planning efforts. Complete the form below, and we’ll get back to you shortly to discuss how we can help!

 

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