Fire is a part of life in summer, and most of us grow up knowing it’s something we’ll face sooner or later – particularly in regional parts of the country. And as hotter, drier conditions become the norm, pair this with our eucalypt-packed landscape that loves to burn, and summer often means smoke on the horizon – and the smoke and fire are spreading further and wider than ever before. As a result, bushfire preparedness is no longer optional, it’s essential for all Australians – whether you’re a homeowner, renter, property manager, or investor. Here’s how you can take proactive and practical steps to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe.
Why bushfire response is a team effort
Fire is more than just a seasonal hazard – it’s a reality woven into the fabric of our landscape and our way of life. When disaster strikes, we can’t rely on the often-overwhelmed emergency services to tackle the situation – neighbours, local businesses and community groups all step in to support one another. At First National Real Estate, this connection to fire is deeply personal. Many of our offices are based in regional and rural areas where bushfire risk is constant, and our teams live in the very communities they serve. Having witnessed firsthand the devastation and heartbreak of events like the Black Summer, our role extends much further than buying and selling homes. We get stuck in and help families find rentals after losing their homes, raise awareness about preparedness, and contribute to recovery and community fundraising efforts through our philanthropic arm – the First National Foundation. Our commitment remains the same as always – putting people first and standing alongside our communities.
Be prepared, no matter where you are in the country
These days, bushfires are not just a rural issue, so no matter where you are in the country, it’s essential to be prepared and have a plan in place. In recent years, we’ve seen direct threats across Australia – from the Blue Mountains in NSW through to outer Melbourne and much of regional and metropolitan WA.
It pays to check your local state or territory fire service resources for the best region-specific advice:
- South Australia
- Victoria
- Rural New South Wales
- Queensland
- Western Australia
- Tasmania
- Northern Territory
- Australian Capital Territory
6 practical steps for bushfire readiness at home
Between planning within your household and the practical steps you can take, it pays to be organised well ahead of bushfire season. Here’s how:
1. Start with a robust bushfire survival plan
Well before the fire season is upon us, take the time to sit down with your household and work through key decisions such as which fire danger rating would trigger you to leave your home, where you would go, what route you would take and importantly, what you would do if there is a fire in your area and you can’t practically leave. Resources like the CFA Fire Ready Kit, My Bushfire Plan and the National Emergency Management Agency walk you through the critical decisions you need to make well in advance of fire season.
2. Create a defendable space around your home
Pay close attention to items such as dry leaves, bark, and twigs that have accumulated over winter in gardens around your home, on the roof, and in your gutters. Metal gutter guards will help minimise build-up, but now is the time to sweep, remove and trim back any overhanging branches. Ideally, keep tree branches at least 2 metres clear of your home, mow your grass regularly and keep both your garden and lawns well-watered.
3. Ward off the threat of embers
Reduce your home’s vulnerability to fire by minimising the risk of wind-blown embers getting lodged in gaps around your property. Start by installing ember-resistant wire mesh screens on windows, doors, and any vents. Then, seal gaps in roofing, cladding, and around doors and windows with fire-resistant sealant. If possible, replace any timber lattice with fire-resistant materials, such as metal or brick, and use non-combustible materials for items like decking and fencing. If you have gas cylinders, keep them on a level area away from the house that has been cleared of any vegetation, mulch, or rubbish.
4. Check your water access and supply
If fire does reach your property and you’ve decided to stay and defend, be prepared with sufficient access and supply of water. Attach hoses that are long enough to reach every side of your home, and keep buckets of water with metal mops on hand for backup. If possible, install an external sprinkler system that will wet down the roof and walls of your home. Finally, check that your driveway is clear and sufficiently wide so that fire trucks can easily access your property.
5. Create a DIY emergency kit
A grab-and-go emergency kit is a vital tool for bushfire readiness – particularly if you plan to leave early. Store a backpack in an easily accessible spot stocked with essentials like woollen blankets, P2 masks, goggles, gloves, a first aid kit, water, cash, a torch, and a portable radio. Don’t forget to include personal items, such as any necessary medication, and essential documents, like a photo ID.
The role of property managers in bushfire readiness
Responsible for overseeing not just an individual home but an entire portfolio, property managers must be proactive and prepared to ensure the safety of tenants and protect investors’ assets ahead of bushfire season. Here’s how property managers can help:
1. Minimise fire hazards with regular seasonal clean-ups
Reduce fire risks by encouraging tenants to help with seasonal tasks around the property. This includes vegetation clearing – it helps if you provide green bins for easy disposal – and prompt tenants to remove any rubbish. Book seasonal maintenance tasks, such as gutter cleaning and tree trimming, and stay ahead of lawn mowing during peak fire season.
2. Be proactive and provide a bushfire prep checklist for tenants
Creating a simple bushfire preparedness checklist is an easy way to help tenants reduce fire risk. Include simple tips, such as keeping balconies and decks free of clutter, avoiding flammable doormats, and staying alert to local CFA or RFS warnings.
3. Communicate low-cost retrofits to landlords
Affordable and easy retrofits can dramatically improve a property’s bushfire resilience, particularly if it’s in a high-risk zone. This can include fire-resistant landscaping, fire-resistant strips on doors and windows, and adding ember guards and screens to doors, windows, and vents. These simple upgrades can help keep tenants safe and reduce potential damage to a property.
4. Insurance and local state or territory compliance:
Property managers should confirm that landlords understand their responsibilities when it comes to state-based regulations in bushfire-prone areas. This can include things like vegetation management, specific building standards, and bushfire protection measures. Keeping a log of maintenance, inspections, and compliance with local bushfire requirements will ensure the property remains covered by insurers.
As the temperature rises, now is the time to take action
Bushfire preparedness is a shared effort. It’s a collaboration between homeowners, tenants, property managers, and emergency services. Every step – from clearing gutters to creating tenant checklists – helps protect people, homes, investments, and communities.
If you’re considering moving or investing, choosing the right property and location is just as important as your preparation. With First National Real Estate, you’ll gain local expertise to guide safe, informed decisions every step of the way – and you could even win a $10,000 package to help make your next move a winning one.
DISCLAIMER
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.