Purpose

This article is intended to support volunteers in preparing Scout facilities for bushfire risk through effective planning, maintenance, and hazard-reduction practices. It applies to non-residential Scout facilities such as dens, campsites, and activity centres where people may gather from time to time, but which are not permanently occupied.

The overarching priority is the safety of people, with a strong emphasis on early action, informed decision-making, and strict adherence to the advice and directions of emergency services and relevant authorities.

Understanding Bushfire Risk

Bushfires can start easily under hot, dry and windy conditions and can spread quickly through vegetation and fuel loads (dead leaves, grasses, shrubs). Embers can travel significant distances ahead of the fire front, igniting structures and materials.

Scouts’ facilities located near bushland, long grass or unmanaged vegetation will have higher bushfire risk. Even “non-residential” buildings can be affected by radiant heat, embers and smoke.

Human Life First – Follow Authorities

1. Your top priority is the safety of people, not structures or equipment.
2. In a bushfire event, obey all warnings, evacuation instructions and directions from emergency authorities (Fire & Emergency Services, Rural Fire Service, police).
3. Early evacuation is safer

Emergency services may not always be able to defend every structure. Volunteers should prepare facilities to reduce risk, but do not attempt firefighting operations unless formally trained and directed.

Bushfire Preparedness Checklist

Planning and Documentation

1. Bushfire Preparedness Plan: Document facility-specific bushfire hazards, mitigation strategies, evacuation routes, muster points, communication plans and roles of leaders.
2. Review Annually: Update before each bushfire season and after major changes to vegetation, access or facility layout.
3. Emergency Contacts: Maintain a list of local emergency services, council fire management officers, and neighbours.

Vegetation and Fuel Management

Reducing fuel around facilities is one of the most effective mitigation actions:

1. Clear leaf litter, twigs, bark and dry vegetation from around buildings, fences and pathways.
2. Trim low branches and prune bushes to break up continuous fuel sources.
3. Keep grass mown and short (low fuel load) across open areas.
4. Maintain fuel breaks / fire trails where practical — gaps in vegetation that act as barriers.

Note: Before undertaking significant vegetation clearing, check local council and native vegetation laws and seek permits if required. See for more information on Tree Management: https://helpdesk.scoutsqld.com.au/portal/en/kb/articles/tree-management

Building and Infrastructure Maintenance

Although these sites are not homes, basic maintenance improves resilience:

1. Remove combustible materials (wood piles, paper, fabrics, tarps) from around structures.
2. Seal gaps around roof edges, vents and eaves where embers can enter.
3. Maintain gutters and hard surfaces free of debris.
4. Check water supplies and access to hoses or pumps, especially gravity-fed sources (tanks, dams) that don’t rely on electricity.

These actions won’t stop a major fire, but they reduce the chance of ignition by ember attack or radiant heat.

Access and Evacuation Preparedness

1. Ensure clear, unobstructed access routes to and from the facility for vehicles and emergency services.
2. Mark entry gates and roads clearly with easily readable signage.
3. Identify pre-planned evacuation routes and safe meeting points well away from bushland (and practice them with youth members).
4. Confirm reliable communication methods (mobile coverage, two-way radios).

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Leaders should assign clear roles for preparedness tasks (fuel reduction, plan maintenance, equipment checks).
2. Encourage all volunteers to understand the site’s bushfire plan, risks and evacuation signals.
3. Coordinate with local fire authorities for advice on bushfire risk in the area and best mitigation practices.

Remember: as a land occupant you have obligations around bushfire hazard management on your property — including trimming vegetation and removing flammable materials.

Training and Awareness

1. Where available attend any local bushfire readiness workshops or emergency briefings.
2. Build familiarity with fire danger rating systems and alerts so that you can act early.
3. Incorporate bushfire preparedness discussions into leader planning meetings.

Before and During Bushfire Season

Before high-risk periods:

1. Update and communicate the plan.
2. Complete all vegetation and fuel management tasks.
3. Test water and equipment availability.

During heightened risk forecasts:

1. Monitor alerts from Bureau of Meteorology and emergency services.
2. Restrict activities in bushfire risk conditions.
3. Consider early cancellation of events if risk is elevated

Key Takeaways

1. People first, property second.
2. Prepare early and maintain preparedness annually.
3. Reduce fuel, maintain access, document plans and practice evacuations.
4. Always follow directions from emergency authorities.