With severe weather season approaching, residents across Logan’s growing southern corridor are being urged to review their emergency plans, stay informed and prepare their homes for potential storms, bushfires and other weather-related emergencies.
The reminder comes after a fire permit suspension was introduced across Logan, Ipswich, Scenic Rim, Somerset and Lockyer Valley from 26 September to 23 October due to dry conditions and elevated fire danger.
While the suspension has since ended, fire authorities say it serves as a timely reminder that the region is already experiencing conditions associated with bushfire season.
Area manager for the Scenic Rim area of Rural Fire Service Queensland, Corey Bock, said firefighters had taken proactive measures to reduce the risk of escaped burns as conditions became increasingly dry.
“We use a scale called the Keetch-Byram drought index. It’s a measurement of how much soil moisture is in the ground,” Mr Bock said.
“Once it gets over 100, we’re well and truly into fire season and we often see an elevated amount of jobs come in.”
Mr Bock said the permit suspension was introduced to reduce the number of avoidable fires and ease pressure on firefighting resources.
“Last year we had way too many of them, and this year we made a vow that we’re not going to have that happen again,” he said.
“So it’s a proactive move to try and reduce the amount of unwanted fires or escaped burns across our district.”
While bushfire risk remains a concern, emergency services are encouraging residents to prepare for a range of severe weather events ahead of the summer months.
The Logan SES Unit recently urged residents to download the Bureau of Meteorology weather app, enable warning notifications and save their local disaster dashboard so critical information could be accessed quickly during emergencies.
Residents are also encouraged to take a few simple preparedness steps now, including checking emergency kits, ensuring they have enough food, water and medications on hand, discussing evacuation plans with family members, clearing gutters, securing loose outdoor items and trimming overhanging branches before storm season arrives.
Mr Bock also reminded residents reporting fires early could make a significant difference.
“If you do see a fire, the best chance to keep that a small fire is to report it immediately. Don’t wait,” he said.
“‘Keep a small fire small’ is really our motto this time of the year.”
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