Preparation and response

Farm Preparation

Fires are more likely to occur on farms during harvest given the movement of machinery and vehicles through paddocks with cured crops.

To assist in the prevention of fires it is recommended that:

Equipment such as harvesters have regular maintenance checks conducted.

• Equipment is kept clean of dust straw and seed.
• After operations, park on a harvested or clear area.
• Ensure standing motors are serviced and the area around them clear.

Having fire extinguishers on all equipment and fire fighting unit(s) on site may help in containing a fire before it gets out of control.

DFES have released a number of publications containing important information for farmers:

• Burn Smart Guide for Small Landholders
• Operating Private Equipment at Bushfires

During fire season please ensure you have your mobile phone handy (and registered for the Shire’s Harvest, Vehicle Movement and Hot Works Ban and listening to ABC local radio for harvest ban declarations.

Response

Farm or private firefighting units and machinery form an important part of the Shire’s overall bushfire response.

To ensure safety and efficient integration with bushfire services, all private responders are reminded to:

• wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (i.e. long sleeves/pants, boots and gloves).
• report to Incident Control Upon arrival (or as soon as possible after the establishment of an Incident Control).
• applied for and obtained a Fire Response Vehicle Identifier Sticker.

It is also encouraged that vehicles are fitted with a UHF (CB) radio. Channel 5 is the most commonly utilised channel during an incident, however alternate channels may be used depending on the size or number of incidents – please confirm communications channel when reporting to Incident Control.