Summer is the go-to season for camping, but it does come with its own set of challenges, especially in Australia where bushfires are a common occurrence. We're all too familiar with hearing about fires on the news, and while we may know how to stay safe at home, camping brings a different set of considerations. We want to to be prepared before you head out to go camping in fire season.
Now, we're not claiming to be experts, both of us here at Camping Life Australia are Fire Fighters and we are passionate about keeping people safe. Through our firsthand experiences, we've witnessed the swift and destructive nature of fires, along with the potentially life-threatening consequences of being unprepared.
Our aim isn't to instill fear or be overly dramatic. Instead, we want to share practical ways to be well-prepared, minimize risks, and still savor the joy of camping in the summer heat—safely!
Before you go
Before heading out for your camping adventure, check the fire danger rating not only for your campsite but also for the areas along your route. If the conditions seem unfavorable, it's a clear sign to not go there! Choose an alternative campsite where conditions are safer, allowing you to make the most of your camping experience, like enjoying a campfire.
Understanding the significance of fire danger ratings is crucial for informed decision-making. Further bellow is some information on understand the rating system.
If the weather takes a turn for the worse, a Total Fire Ban (TOBAN) might be declared. During a TOBAN, lighting any fires in the open is prohibited, and all fire permits are suspended. This restriction extends to incinerators and barbecues (BBQ) using solid fuels such as wood, charcoal, or heat beads. Stay informed and prioritize safety to ensure a enjoyable and risk-free camping experience.
Before leaving for your camping adventure, take time to check the weather conditions—think heat, precipitation, wind, and more. Our top recommendation for this is the Bureau of Meteorology, a user-friendly site offering comprehensive information with warning summaries, forecasts, radars, and even starlight images.
Stay ahead of fire activity by ensuring you're always up-to-date on active fires near where you are camping, and along the route you are taking to get there and back home.
For a nationwide view of bushfire maps, we recommend using the Fires Near Me Australia app. This app aggregates information from each state's emergency services websites, providing a quick overview of the current fire situation across the country. While it may not offer as much detail as state-specific information, it serves as a convenient tool for getting a rapid understanding of what's happening on a broader scale. Stay informed and stay safe with Fires Near Me Australia!
For your state only information:
QLD Goverment Website VIC VIC emergency app
Familiarize yourself with calling for help and what to do if caught in a fire.
Pack a survival kit.
Most importantly, and we can't stress this enough, inform someone about your camping destination. It's a crucial step for your safety.
Bellow we will go into more detailed information on survival kit essentials, what to pack and do for a safe and enjoyable camping experience!
At your campsite
When choosing the perfect spot for your camping setup—be it a tent, caravan, or rooftop—think accessibility and escape routes. It's not just about setting up a cozy campsite; it's about knowing how to leave swiftly in case of a fire. Plan for more than one escape route to avoid being stuck if one gets blocked.
Opt for a flat site, but steer clear of hilltops. Fires move faster uphill, making the summit riskier. Choose safety by camping on level ground.
Identify a nearby safe location in case your current spot becomes unsuitable due to a fire or any other reason.
Avoid driving over long grass, as your hot exhaust can pose a fire hazard.
Resist the temptation to cook or smoke inside your tent —this applies year-round for safety reasons.
Light up your camping space with battery-operated lights, especially on hot evenings, minimizing the risk associated with fuel based lighting.
During total fire ban days, refrain from having fires or using portable BBQs. These bans exist for a reason, considering how quickly bush or grass fires can start and the difficulty in extinguishing them.
Prepare for scorching days by packing extra meals that can be enjoyed cold or dont require cooking; who wants a hot meal on a sweltering day anyway?
Prioritize fire safety by extinguishing all fires before bedtime. Ensure you have enough water to completely put out the flames or create a fire pit to bury it. Remember, hot coals can easily reignite, so follow the rule: extinguish it to the point where you can touch it with your bare hand.
If possible, use existing camp fire sites. Create a clearing if surrounded by grass, move leaves, and ensure there are no overhanging branches to prevent embers from drifting into the trees.
What to do if you are caught in a fire?
While we know you will now take all the essential precautions, it's important to acknowledge that we can't always predict the actions of fellow campers. Unfortunately, fires may occasionally start for natural reasons as well. In light of this, it's crucial to be well-informed about what to do if you find yourself in a fire emergency. Stay prepared and stay safe!
If it is not imediatlly impacting you, and the fire service is suggesting to evaccuate, leave.
If you are directly impacted by fire do the following.
Call 000
Park off the road in a clear area away from trees, and not underneath tree branches
Face your car towards the fire
Turn off the engine and put on your headlights and hazards
Close all windows and air vents
Stay in your car and get below the window line (this protects your from the heat of the fire), and cover yourself with a woollen blanket
Drink water
Cover your mouth with a damp cloth if there is smoke around
Stay down low until you can not hear the sound of the fire anymore, carefully leave the car as everything will be hot to touch including the ground.
And remember bush and grass fires can cross roads and even highways and smoke reduce visibility so do not try to drive through a fire.
If your bushwalking and caught in a fire you will be doing something different as you do not have a car to take refuge in.
Call 000
If you see smoke in the distance turn back or find an alternate route
Don't panic and don’t try to outrun the fire, you won’t be able to
Find a cleared area. Look for rocks, hollows, embankments or roads to protect you. head to lower ground not uphill
Do not shelter in water tanks
Keep low and cover your skin
Drink water
Cover your mouth with a damp cloth to protect you from smoke
Emergency Fire Kit
This is a kit that will allow you to have easy access to things that can help you survive a bush fire. Some of the things that you should include are:
Get ready to embrace a kit that's your companion in the face of potential bushfires. Here are the items we think you should inclued:
Portable battery-operated radio
Waterproof torch
Spare batteries
First aid kit with manual
Candles with waterproof matches
Woollen blankets
Emergency contact numbers
Waterproof bag for valuables
Combination pocket knife
Drinking water
Your kit isn't set in stone, and you can sprinkle in whatever you believe is crucial for you while camping. Your car might already be a treasure trove of essentials like a first aid kit and a pocket knife, there's always room for unique additions like woolen blankets stashed under the car seat. If your adventures take you to more remote corners, consider packing extras, such as a reliable means to contact emergency services in case phone reception decides to play hide and seek.
Fire danger meaning
We've all spotted those fire danger rating signs, but have you ever wondered what they really mean for you when camping? Think of the Bush Fire Danger Ratings as your friendly guides, offering insights into the potential outcomes if a fire were to make an unexpected appearance. Stay in the know, and let the adventure continue on a safe and happy note!
While this may look like a long list, fear not! These tips are surprisingly easy to incorporate into your camping routine, and most of them are just good old common sense (bet you're already a pro at some of them). Remember, this list is just the start when it comes to essential knowledge about bushfires and staying safe. We've gathered our insights from the NSW RFS websites and their helpful publications, offering guidelines to enhance your camping experience. Dive into the treasure trove of information on fire services websites—they're your go-to source for staying well-informed and safe, both at home and while your cmaping during fire season!
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