AUSSIE FIRE SEASON DO'S AND DON'TS

Living in Australia, we’re lucky enough to have a complex, wonderful and sometimes wild landscape. But it is this very wildness that we enjoy that means many are in harm's way each year during the bushfire season.

However, nothing combats danger like preparation. This blog provides useful information on maps, fire kits and what to do if you’re in the truck during a bushfire. So, if you own or operate a truck in an area affected by bushfires, are expecting to be travelling through a fire-prone route or just want to take steps to be as prepared as possible, read on.

RESOURCES

It is well-worth downloading a state emergency app to your phone that will provide vital information on emergency conditions. Many apps are location specific, so having a search on the app store for your region will give you the best results. Here are a few suggestions for emergency apps to get started with: Emergency Apps for During a Disaster, Fires Near Me Australia

The National Bushfire Map (Bushfire.io | The National Bushfire Map) is an excellent resource, displaying an interactive map of Australia and pinpointing where fires have started and where they have the potential to travel due to prevailing winds and other climatic conditions.

This interactive mapping tool integrates and combines a range of software to bring the user layered information relating directly to fire and is also great to have on hand during other weather-related emergencies.   

The Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA) is also a great resource for fire preparation and readiness that is worth having a look at as fire season approaches. The CFA produces comprehensive safety literature every year and recommends changing your travel plans if and where possible when fire danger weather is predicted—although in business this is not always possible.

If you aren’t already tuned-in to ABC radio to provide updates during bushfire season, you can also download the ABC listen app to your phone.

ESSENTIALS KIT

Aside from bushfires, there is always the potential for hazardous situations across the breadth of a trucking journey, so having an ‘essentials kit’ ready regardless of the weather is a smart move.

But if you’re moving through these areas in fire season, having the basic essentials in your truck will mean you are prepared for the worst situations, in the rare chance that they do occur.

Here’s what an emergency kit for a truck could include:

• Large supply of bottled water
• Light to thick woollen blankets (at least two)
• Change of clothes (nothing synthetic clothes that can cover the entire body)
• First Aid kit
• Jumper leads
• High visibility vest
• Mobile phone & charger (keep fully charged at all times)
• PPE masks
• Goggles for eye protection
• Emergency contacts list including SES numbers (easy to reach and highly visible)
• Paper maps of the area
• A working FM/AM radio

PREPARE FOR THE WORST

Bushfires in Australia are unpredictable, and a small grass fire can turn into a deadly situation within minutes depending on the geography, changes in wind speed, direction and ground fuel levels.

While we can’t predict any future event, here are some scenarios that you could reasonably expect to encounter whilst driving your truck during a fire.

Scenario #1

The first and infinitely preferable situation is that you are actively tracking bushfires, have planned out your journey and can avoid the path of a bushfire by taking alternate routes —travelling away from a fire and out of harm’s way.

Scenario #2

The next is if you and your truck are approaching or caught in the path of a bushfire.

According to the CFA and CFS (Country Fire Service) if you see smoke ahead slow down as visibility may be affected very quickly by billowing smoke.

You may run into people, wildlife and emergency vehicles. If you are able to, turn around and drive to the nearest township. If that is not possible, pull over and station yourself in a clearing or already burnt-out area that is not in the direct path of the fire.

Next, it is recommended you wind up all windows, close vents and keep both headlights and hazard lights on until the smoke clears. Stay in your vehicle and drink plenty of water.

Scenario #3

In the event you and your truck are directly in the path of a bushfire, the CFA and CFS say you should stay in your vehicle as this offers critical protection and is preferable to being in the elements as a fire moves through. As with the previous scenario, wind up all windows, close doors and close vents and keep head and hazard lights on.

Try and position your truck behind any available barriers such as boulders or embankments, and anywhere away from dense combustible fuel. Find a clearing or already burnt-out area and position your truck facing the fire front.

Turn the engine & air conditioning off as the fire approaches. If caught in a burn over in your truck, it is highly unlikely that your fuel tank will explode, but your tyres are more susceptible to rupture due to the intense heat against the rubber. Be mindful that this could happen.

Next, get down below window level and cover yourself and any passengers with woollen blankets, ensuring there is no exposed skin.

Getting down below window level is of the highest priority as it reduces your exposure to the extreme heat coming from the bushfire. Heat exposure is one of the biggest dangers along with a fire’s frightening ability to suck up surrounding oxygen as a means of fuel. If you can put a mask on, this will help to filter smoke and other combusting chemicals.

Keep drinking plenty of water. Stay down and covered until the ‘sound of the fire has passed,’. Once you are sure it has passed you can exit the vehicle, being aware that that cabin and body will be extremely hot. Exit with care and head to any bushfire safe space like a major clearing or already burnt-out area. Then call emergency services for further help if it’s required.

SAFE ON THE ROAD

Your truck is your trusty companion throughout an ordeal of this nature. In Australia’s fierce fire season, it could in fact save your life.

As a heavy vehicle operator knows only too well, long-haul trips across this vast nation often include long stretches of dry bush in scorching temperatures and at this time of year as fire season approaches, formulating a bushfire safe plan and kat are necessary steps for your safety and survival.

Check out how Isuzu trucks support the South Australian CFS and learn more about their story fighting bushfires here.