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Fire is a phenomenon found in most ecosystems within Australia. It is part of our heritage, ensuring the survival of much of our natural environment. Although, those living in rural areas or on the urban fringe of cities are those most likely to experience bushfires – travellers, holiday-makers, or those just passing through these areas can be exposed to the dangers as well. Bushfires are more likely to occur when fuel loads are high, and weather conditions - such as high temperatures, high winds and low humidity, can support a fire. Dried out and dead vegetation increases the potential of a fire, and its force. The higher the intensity of the fire, the harder that fire is to control, and the greater damage it is likely to cause. Statistics say that south-eastern Australia (encompassing Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart and Adelaide) will have a major bush fire every 10 to 13 years. South-western Australia (including Perth) – at least one every two years. During the summer months, eucalyptus forests are covered with a thick layer of densely packed litter (leaves, bark, fallen branches etc). The undergrowth is often impenetrable, and the leaf canopy entangled. Within these dry forests, on hot, windy days, and especially after a period of drought – bushfires are a hazard waiting to happen. Records show that during the 1900’s, 470 people died due to bushfires. 72% of these deaths occurred in Victoria alone. These figures don’t account for the numerous domestic animals that also perished, either alongside their owners, or were abandoned and left to defend for themselves against the onslaught of a fire. Direct flame contact is rarely the cause of an animal’s death. They die because they are not satisfactorily protected from the heat and smoke the fire emits. Radiant Heat is one of the main killers during a fire - it causes the body’s cooling system to fail, resulting in heat stroke, dehydration, asphyxiation and thus death. Putting distance between radiant heat and the animal is obviously the best refuge from the threat. If you plan to evacuate during a bush fire – DO IT EARLY, and prepare to take your pets with you. Organise your pets collars and leads, beds, additional food, etc, before summer hits. Is there a woollen blanket in the car? Do you have a place to stay – where your pets are also welcome? Ensure your pets vaccinations are current, if you do evacuate and your dog is to be kenneled – vaccination is mandatory. The safest time to evacuate is BEFORE a fire starts. If you have decided to leave, the CFA suggest you leave the area by 10am on Total Fire Ban Days. Consider taking your pet/pets to the beach or visiting relatives in town on those impending days. But it’s a Total Fire Ban day and you have to go to work. If unable to take your dog with you, consider leaving him/her with friends or relatives away from the fire danger area. If this is not possible and your pet is left at home, ensure it has suitable shade and water. Make arrangements with friends and neighbours who have access to your property to care for your pet if a fire does break out. Make sure your pets have satisfactory identification tags, or has a microchip incase he/she is lost during a fire. Remember, during a fire, you may not be allowed back into the area to rescue your pet. If you are caught on the road in your car during a fire - do not get either yourself or your dog out of the car.If you have the option, turn around and drive away from the fire. If not – pull to the side of the road into a cleared area. Try not to park your car close to long dry grass or scrub. Put your hazard lights and headlights on, and keep the engine running. Ensure all windows are up and vents are closed. Get yourself and your pet down as low as possible below window level. Cover yourself and your pet as much as possible with clothing (not synthetic), woollen blankets, or wet towels if available until the fire front passes. When you feel a reduction in heat, it is safe to get out and move. Yet, you may choose to stay with your home during a fire. Ensure you have the necessary means to adequately restrain or confine your pet – as they may well be frightened and could panic. Pets need to be sheltered from the fire, preferably with you. Radiant heat cannot penetrate through a solid object, their best protection is to stay inside. Shut all doors and windows. Keep the pet cool and make sure there is plenty of water. A bath can be used – fill to around 10-15cm with water, a hot pet will happily lie in the water to keep cool. Ice cubes put in water dishes are also useful. Remember that temperatures on total fire ban days are often soaring above 40 degrees Celsius. But fires aren’t always associated with the bush. And burns aren’t always associated with fire. The kitchen area of your home is one place to keep a close eye on your pets. Pets can be accidentally scalded by hot liquids (such as tea or coffee), or burnt by too closely investigating hot pans or toasters. If your dog is an inside pet, consider designating the kitchen off-limits while meals are being prepared. If a burn does occur, cold running water should be applied until veterinary help is sought. A Suggested 'Evacuation' Pack:
An Information List - your name, address and phone numbers, including mobile number and the numbers of a friend or relative who is not in a threatened area. - Your pet’s name, vaccination history, medical information and food requirements. - Your Vets phone number. Fire Seasons for the Capital Cities: Darwin - Jul to Oct; Brisbane - Sep to Dec; Sydney & Canberra - Oct to Jan; Melbourne, Adelaide & Perth - Dec to Feb ; Hobart - Jan to March
© Donna Racheal 2004 |
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about us Copyright (c) 2001 Donna Racheal. All Rights Reserved. ABN: 14 753 043 566 |
PETS & BUSHFIRE 
