Kennards Hire Safety Tips For Burning-Off

With the arrival of colder conditions, fire bans around the country are gradually being lifted, presenting the perfect opportunity to burn-off garden debris and clear your property of any potential fire hazards for next season. Kennards Hire, the DIY specialists, has revealed their check list to guide you through clearing your property in winter.

1. Permits: firstly check with your local council about any permits you require to burn-off shrub and debris. Check and follow local regulations or laws set down by the local fire service.
2. Pruning branches: be vigilant in cutting back dead branches and removing excess dead leaves. Hire a chainsaw if required and check every tree for any potential fire hazard that can be removed safely. However, if some branches are too high and out of reach, notify your local council and let the professionals handle it.
3. Clear gutters of dead leaves and junk: after the autumn months, your roof will no doubt be littered with dead leaves and foliage that pose a significant fire risk come fire season. Once the leaves have ceased falling, hire a ladder and use the proper safety precautions to clean your gutters and any other problem areas on your roof.
4. Fire-fighting equipment: check all hoses are working and you have quick access to water should the need arise. Now is a good time to inspect all the tools and equipment on your property including buckets, hoses and tap connections to ensure everything is in good condition. 
5. Adjacent public land: if your property backs on to a National Park, creek or river etc., consider clearing that area of fallen branches and debris to include in your burn as well. The more vigilant you are now, the safer you home will be in the event of a bushfire.  
6. Notify Neighbours: it’s essential to notify your neighbours at least two hours before starting the burn. Also check the weather forecast for the day of the burn and a few days afterwards and alter your plans to ensure the conditions are safe.
7. Safe zone: Ensure the fire is a safe distance from the home and any other parts of the property the fire could damage. Also, establish a fire break of no less than three metres cleared of all flammable material.
8. Monitoring the fire: It’s essential to make sure there are enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively.

For information on how Kennards Hire can assist with equipment for your burn, visit your local branch or visit www.kennards.com.au