A public information session, organised by Redland City Council, QFES and the Queensland Police, was held this morning at the island’s recreation hall to inform residents about the fire-fighting operations and ongoing fire risk and how they can best prepare.
Redland City Mayor, Karen Williams began the meeting, attended by 70 island residents, by emphasing the importance of being well informed and prepared in the face of bushfire threat, and that no one should leave the meeting without a Get Ready Redlands Disaster Management Plan.
“It is important that everyone get a copy of our Disaster Plan so you know exactly what to do and have a personal plan in place to ensure your safety, and the safety of those around you,” Cr Williams said.
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“While we have the Redland City Disaster Group, made up of 30 groups, who are well prepared and train for disasters such as this bushfire, each of us also needs to know what we can do as individuals to minimise the risk,” she said.
The Mayor acknowledged and commended the outstanding efforts from an extremely well-prepared team of staff and volunteers.
“Since the Russell Island bushfire began at 2.30pm on Thursday, the significant emergency services and community response has meant that while the fire has burned 150 hectares of land, and at one stage threatened more than 60 homes, there have been no loss of homes or life and local wildlife has also been protected,” she said.
“Thank you to the Russell Island IGA, who has provided 500 meals to those fighting the fire, and to the volunteers running the Russell Island Recreation centre, which was opened as an evacuation centre immediately when the bushfire was reported”
“I also encourage you all to provide Council with feedback on the fire-fighting efforts and assure you that we will respond to every piece of feedback we receive”
“However, this fire is not yet out and residents should not be complacent and should follow the direction of emergency services at any time. Fire crews will be undertaking back burning throughout the day to strengthen containment lines,” she said.
Residents are advised to call Triple Zero (000) if their property comes under threat.
Residents should consider taking precautionary measures including:
- Putting on protective clothing;
- Drinking lots of water;
- Moving car/s to a safe location;
- Closing windows and doors and shutting blinds;
- Bringing pets inside, restraining them (leash, cage or secure room) and providing water;
- Wetting down fine fuels close to buildings;
- Removing garden furniture, doormats and other items;
- Sealing all gaps under doors and screens;
- Filling containers with water – e.g., bath, sinks, buckets, wheelie bins;
- Having ladders ready for roof space access (inside) and against roof (outside);
- Having a generator or petrol powered pump ready; and
- Checking and patrolling outside for embers, extinguishing any spot fires and seeking shelter as the fire front arrives.
- To protect yourself against smoke, close windows and doors.
For more information:
- Listen to 612 ABC radio for bulletins
- Visit Rural Fire / QFES website and social media:
