Stay and Defend
Stay and defend points to consider:
- are you physically fit and mentally prepared;
- has an assessment of your property shown it is well prepared; and
- do you have a plan?
If so, you might decide to defend your property.
However, you may change your mind due to a number of reasons on the day. If so, do not leave it until too late. Be decisive.
Remember- the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service or the Queensland Police Service may still require you to evacuate and have the power to do so.
Before the fire approaches
Remember an ember attack can occur up to an hour before the fire arrives.
Main Points:
- Dress in protective clothing.
- Listen to ABC Radio for info.*
- Move large animals and livestock to a safe location.
- Block downpipes and fill gutters with water.
- Turn on sprinklers about 30 mins before fire arrives.
- Wet down decks / verandas/ fine fuels / window sills.
- Place wet towels in any gaps, e.g. under doors
- Bring outdoor furniture/door mats/other combustibles inside.
- Fill bins, baths and buckets with water for firefighting.
- Shut doors and windows.
- Tape windows.
- Turn off gas supplies.
- Take curtains down & push furniture away from windows.
- Have ladder ready to access the roof space internally via the manhole in the ceiling.
- Be alert for flying embers.
- Patrol outside for, and extinguish spot fires.
- Do not climb onto your roof. Many injuries are caused this way
*Find your local ABC radio station at: http://www.abc.net.au/queensland/
During: (arrival of the fire front)
- Take refuge inside, away from the direction of the oncoming fire.
- Take all hoses and fittings with you.
- Patrol inside for spot fires including the ceiling cavity.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Do not shelter in baths/ water tanks.
After it passes:
- Return outside after the fire has passed and continue patrolling for spot fires for several hours.
- Ensure all family members continue to wear protective clothing.
- Keep electricity on but maintain awareness of electrical safety at all times.
- Beware of falling limbs from trees.
If your house catches fire and you are unable to extinguish it, leave immediately after the fire front has passed. Call the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service on triple zero (000).
- Move onto a fuel-free area such as a driveway, lawn or onto already burnt ground.
- Beware of any hazards such as burning logs or materials.
- Do not return inside the house for any reason.
Last Reviewed June 2009
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