Fire danger season has already started – but are you prepared? A CFS volunteer explains what you need to do to keep safe this summer.
For Matt Williams, firefighting is about stepping up when his community needs it most. After witnessing the impact of the 2019–2020 Cudlee Creek bushfires on his friends and family, he knew he had to do something.
“I wanted to make a difference,” Matt says of his decision to join the SA Country Fire Service (CFS) as a volunteer.
For Matt, being part of the Nairne CFS brigade has been hugely rewarding.
“The impact it makes to the community is a big part of it,” Matt says. “But also, I just love the camaraderie that goes with it. There’s nothing quite like the bond you create from having these experiences with others who are giving their time.”
Why volunteering matters
Matt’s experience has shown him just how essential CFS volunteers are, especially in regional areas where resources can be scarce.
“In remote areas it’s almost essential that a lot of community members are involved in the service, because the distances between townships and CFS brigades are so great.”
Over the past three years, Matt has responded to a range of incidents, including grass fires and “even a few structure fires”.
The power of many
Matt also emphasises the broader importance of the 13,000 CFS volunteers across the state.
“If you really think about that number, it just goes to show how much trouble we’d be in if we didn’t have volunteers to support us.”
As part of the CFS Youth Advisory Council, Matt is passionate about encouraging as many other young people as possible to volunteer.
“Not only is it a great way of giving back to the community, but it’s also a fantastic way of meeting people and building life skills and experiences,” he says.
“It’s also a great way of pushing yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. A lot of people don’t realise what they’re capable of until they step up and give it a go.”
Are you ready for fire danger season?
The Bureau of Meteorology is warning that we’re in for a hot, dry scorcher of a summer. That means an increased danger of fires – and the start of the official fire danger season has already been moved forward in several areas of the state.
Research conducted earlier this year shows over half of residents who live in a bushfire risk area are aware they are under prepared for the bushfire season but do not appear to be addressing this.
“If there’s one thing I’d say coming into bushfire season, it’s just be prepared,” says Matt. “Know what your plan is, and know when you’re going to execute it.”
The CFS has made it easy with an online tool to create your bushfire plan in just five minutes, so there’s no excuse to procrastinate.
Matt also wants everyone to be aware of the risk of ember attacks. In the majority of cases, they’re the reason South Australians lose their houses, and they can happen kilometres away from the actual fire.
“That’s why clearing debris around your home is so important.
“Clean your gutters, get rid of dry leaves, and move any wood piles away from the house. You want to remove anything that could catch fire.”
Travelling this summer? Be aware
With so many South Australians planning road trips or holidays this summer, Matt has some advice for anyone travelling through bushfire-prone areas.
“Check the Fire Danger Ratings for where you’re going, and if it looks like you’re going to be travelling through a high fire risk area on a high fire danger day, then maybe reconsider,” he says.
Only about half of travellers or transiting workers regularly check the Fire Danger Rating for their area. If you’re not one of them, it’s time to start. Bookmark this page to get the daily rating in just a few seconds and stay informed.
If you do need to hit the road, make sure you’re prepared. “Know where the nearest Bushfire Safer Places are along your route,” Matt says. “And don’t rely on your phone for updates – Make sure you check more than one source of information, including your local ABC radio station.”
The CFS has all the information you need to prepare a bushfire plan for your holiday online. Matt’s tips are to pack a few extra supplies, like water and food, just in case. “If you’re travelling through a high fire danger area, it’s always better to be over-prepared than caught off-guard.”
All the information and advice you need to be bushfire prepared this summer is here.
