Bush Fire Safety At Gathering

This information is important for you to read and consider before coming to the gathering at Yielima this year. As requested by the Yorta Yorta committee people will again be asked to sign an agreement at the gate before entering the property, stating that they understand the fire dangers of the area, and that they accept total personal responsibility for themselves and those in their care in all ways.The gathering location is on a clear farm property which is right in the middle of a very dry forest (a high fire danger area).  The time of the gathering is still within the high fire danger season.  We don’t want to alarm people about this, but want to make sure everyone is aware, takes personal responsibility, prepares well and makes the best decisions for themselves.If there are any days of total fireban or blow up days (high winds, low humidity, high temps) during the course of the gathering, the fire will temporarily be moved inside.  In line with current CFA guidelines, we will also be advising that people who want to take the most safe action leave the property on these days and go to town for the day.  We strongly recommend that any body who is caring for elders, people with disabilities or children do this.  People who choose to stay beyond that point will be asked to cooperate with the fire plan for the property and to follow the guidance of those who are familiar with this plan.  In the event of a sudden fire where there is no time for anybody to leave the property, everyone will be asked to enact their personal fire safety plan and follow the fire plan for the property.  At the gate we have maps and show people where the safe areas will be, and where firefighting equipment is located.  Following is a list of things which we recommend all of you bring to the gathering for yourselves and for those in your care. 

This information comes from recommendations by Joan Webster (The Complete Bushfire Safety Book 2000, and Essential Bushfire Safety Tips 2008), and has been compiled by Deborah Loupelis:Personal Bushfire Survival KitClothes

• A boiler-suit of heavy-duty drill cotton, long heavy cotton or pure wool trousers, or jeans; long-sleeved pure wool pullover which does up at the neck.
• Underwear should be cotton, not nylon or polyester.
• A strong brimmed hat that can be tied on;
• Strong cotton scarf or a woolen cap that will cover your hair
• A pure wool or cotton balaclava (those obtainable at disposal stores are usually synthetic).
• Leather boots or strong shoes.(Most suitable is nitrone rubber, normal soles, even those made of rubber, conduct heat, melt and burn. Soles should not have hobnails in them, as they can heat up and can burn the soles of the feet.
• Woolen socks.
• Strong canvas gardening gloves (used only to move smoldering material, your hands are a guide to radiant heat levels and your need to take shelter).
  Accessories
•  A thick pure wool blanket or textured fiberglass blanket which should be big enough to cover you completely when crouched or lying down.
•  A nose cover, such as a non synthetic scarf, large handkerchief or nappy, or a smoke filtering mask.
•  Goggles and a demisting stick. A "better then nothing substitute - Wrap-around sunglasses with a secure cotton strap.  A bottle of artificial tears or gel
•  Water bottle for damping nose cover and for drinking
•  Ultra-violet cream, zinc cream or reflective skin cream, to protect the forehead and nose.
•  A first aid kit.
• Aluminum pots with plastic handles for water dippers
• Rake-hoes, rakes
• Shaggy cotton mop – best defense against ember attack

While the plan is for people to shelter in and around the house, as this is by far the most safe thing to do, in the chance that your car is the only option you should know these things:

• Protective clothing on (see Personal Bushfire Survival Kit below)
• Park on bare ground which has been cleared at least 10 meters around and above
• Engine off
• Lights on
• Windows up.
• Vents closed
• Air conditioner off or in reticulate.
• Erect Aluminum shades.
• Put wet towels against the windows
• Fire extinguisher handy
• Drink water, eat juicy fruit
• Protective cream on face and hands
• Fire retardant cover over trailer and /or car
• Lie, covered with blankets.
• Nose mask and goggles on.
• Spray water on occupants if possible.
• Activate windscreen wipers to dislodge hot ash

Remain in car until fire front has passed and you can emerge onto burnt ground or shelter in public toilets, quarry, dam or river, by a cliff, sports ground, beach. If forced out of car, lie flat under the car covered with a pure wool blanket.We recommend that you read the following attachments for more detailed information about fire safety and that you also follow these links to the local maps and have a good plan for your exit if you plan to leave.  We will have some maps at the gate, but recommend that you do your own research about how and where you will go.