Dry conditions a concern for bushfire season

Lockyer Valley residents are urged to be vigilant and well prepared for bushfires, before the start of this year's season.

Due to the dry weather the south east is experiencing, conditions are rapidly deteriorating.

Council's Mayor Tanya Milligan said the lack of rain across the Lockyer Valley was evident.

Due to the dry conditions, the window to prepare properties for bushfire season is quickly decreasing.

It is the property owner's responsibility to manage the fuel load and reduce fire risk on their land and keep a fire contained, which is why we want to educate our landholders now, Cr Milligan said.

Operation Cool Burn' is designed to do just that. Together with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), the initiative aims to spearhead mitigation activities across the state to reduce fire risk in bushfire-prone areas ahead of the season.

Cr Milligan said there were steps landholders could take to ensure their fuel load was reduced now.

You can reduce fuel loading by slashing or mowing paddocks, grazing animals, creating fire breaks or just clearing vegetation from around the home and other structures, she said.

Council also reminded landowners it was necessary to obtain a permit for fires larger than two metres in any direction.

The Permit to Light a Fire system ensures burns are conducted at an appropriate time of the year, are suitably managed and emergency services are notified. Permits come with clear guidelines on when you can light the fire and what precautions need to be taken, including the provision of informing neighbours of planned burns.

For more information or to locate your local fire warden, visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.