We are fortunate to live so close to such beautiful bushland here on the Northern Beaches.

However the proximity to the bush also means a huge amount of work is required to reduce the risk of bush fires and their impact on lives, property and precious wildlife.

Did you know around 90 percent of homes destroyed in a bush fire are lost because of burning embers? Embers can travel many kilometres from the fire, so even if your property is a few blocks back from the bush you could be at risk.

What are we doing?

Northern Beaches Council, the NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire & Rescue NSW, have carried out considerable works on Council’s bushland reserves over the last few months including:

• Hazard reduction burns reducing fuel loads close to facilities such as schools, nursing homes and nearby homes.
• Maintained Asset Protection Zones protecting houses and infrastructure considered to be at high risk.
• Inspected and ensured that fire trails are accessible to firefighters if required.
• Distributed Council’s Bush Fire Prevention brochure to residents via the rates notice.
• Additional green waste service pickups to water-access only communities on the Pittwater waterway.

We have more work in the pipeline including:

• More hazard reduction burns throughout the Northern Beaches, to be carried out by fire agencies when weather conditions allow.
• Continuing regular maintenance of Asset Protection Zones
• Upgrading fire trails to the latest standards.

What can you do?

Our last bush fire season highlighted the importance of being prepared and having a plan. Now is the time to get yourself, your family and property ready for bush fire. Take 20 minutes with your family now to discuss what you’ll do during a fire, you could save their lives, as well as your home.

Find out more about being bush fire ready.

Council is also consulting with the community on the draft Bush Fire Management Policy. Learn more and have your say.