A billeting system has been proposed by Michael Henningsen, the Deputy Mayor, Adelaide City Council, South Australia during catastrophic bushfire emergencies. The present warning system prompts the people to leave their homes when a catastrophic or code red fire warning has been issued by the authorities. Some people find it difficult to go to a safe place because they do not have relations or close friends for help. To overcome this, an idea of a billeting system where city residents offer temporary board to people who have been asked to leave, is proposed. The organizations like Country Fire Service (CFS) of South Australia have supported the idea.
“It’s an interesting idea and certainly one worth exploring. “Said Wendy Shirley, executive director, CFS Volunteer Association.”It’s early days yet in this whole new fire danger rating system and it certainly would stand to reason that there are people up in the hills who would have nowhere else to go, If they don’t have any friends or relatives in Adelaide that they can go to on such a day, this proposal might be the solution for them,” she said.
The Country Fire Authority (CFA)is encouraging fire preparation and fire survival planning through community fireguard groups among residents in Latrobe Valley.Neighbours and friends are requested to share and discuss the fire survival plans and practical measures to adopt in case of a serious bushfire in the vicinity. The CFA educates the public on the importance of community fire guard because in the event of a bushfire only a group can effectively deal with the defending or escape plans properly.
“Community Fireguard is not a group discussion on fighting fires – it’s about planning what to do in the event of a bushfire. It is also a great way to get to know your neighbours and find out what their plans are”, says John Henshaw, CFA facilitator for community fireguard. The duty of facilitators is to encourage and educate the public on fire preparation and survival through joint meeting.
The temperature in many parts of Victoria has reached 42 degrees Celsius and the authorities have declared catastrophic fire warning in many parts of the state. In view of this the parks and forests are being closed and visitors are being urged to leave as soon as possible.
“Our direction to the campers in those parks, like the Grampians, Little Desert, Wyperfeld, is leave tonight, and at least leave tomorrow morning and go to a cool and safe place for your family and sit the day out,” Department of Sustainability and Environment chief fire officer Ewan Waller said. He discouraged bushwalking and travelling in the bush. Grampians National Park, Lake Hindmarsh Reserve and the Little Desert National Park are closed till the conditions become favorable.
“We want everyone to understand that you do not wait around for a fire and then get on the road. Being on the road during a fire is the most dangerous place to be. “Said CFA chief officer, Russell Rees.