bush fires

[azasjeep]

Well its warming up in sydney, anyone got any fires close by.

We got a fair bit of smoke coming up from the other side of the valley when i see the flames im hoppin in the jeep and running for it, The house can burn ill just take the jeep and dogs and thats it.

Apart from clearing gutters and wetting everything any other advice?

[hillsjeep]

Assuming you've maintained your block and reduced fire hazards during the year, I block my gutter down pipes with cork sanding blocks cut to shape and fill them with water. That way if any leaves blow in there during the day, at least they'll be wet. Close all doors and windows and stay inside until the fire passes and then go out and extinguish any spot fires around the house.

If you're going to leave, leave early!!

[CJ6np435]

Make sure your insurance is up to date

[azasjeep]

the only fire hazard is the front garden from someone very inexperienced at this sort of things point of view, only one tree next to the house that would be a concern if it went up so that is soaking wet now, other than that just lots and lots of big rocks

will go and look for some rags or something to block my gutters, none of the neighbors seem to concerned a few are out watering stuff down but most are just standing out the front watching the smoke...guess there used to it.

And insurance is all good

[itchy]

Where we go wheelin is apparently on fire atm,tomorrow they reckon 43c and strong winds, i bet theyre spewin they closed half the tracks down 2 years ago now theyd be all overgrown

[carvesdodo]

Originally Posted by hillsjeep

Assuming you've maintained your block and reduced fire hazards during the year, I block my gutter down pipes with cork sanding blocks cut to shape and fill them with water. That way if any leaves blow in there during the day, at least they'll be wet. Close all doors and windows and stay inside until the fire passes and then go out and extinguish any spot fires around the house.

If you're going to leave, leave early!!

Pretty much sums it up.

Also keep any personal financial records / insurance policies / photos / rego etc. in a grab bag ... in case you do have to leave.

[Tiny]

An attended house has a 70% better chance of survival than an unattended one.

Fill the gutters with water (block with tennis balls or anything else the works and is removable) and wet as much as possible use anything you can to store water a bath kids pool what ever as when the big red trucks turn up they will suck the mains dry so there may not be water for your house.

Rake up leaves away from the house and block up any openings because its not the fire you have to worry about its ember attack small glowing particles blowing in the wind they can get under eaves or under the house or in open windows so be aware of this.

Another one i have seen cause problems even with well prepared homes is the door mat those coir fiber mats burn well.

If you have an empty weed and feed bottle these are great if you buy black and gold dish washing concentrate about $1a bottle put one of these in the weed and feed bottle and fill with water then hook it on your hose and spray it will put a blanket of foam out which basically is stopping the water from running off or soaking in it can help a lot.

I hope this helps a bit

from your friendly Firey

Tiny