Bush Fire Readiness For Hunters Hill: Your Practical Guide
Living near Lane Cove National Park means we get to enjoy beautiful bushland right on our doorstep. It also means taking a few sensible steps to prepare for bushfire season. Here's your practical guide to staying bushfire-ready without the stress.
Why Lane Cove National Park Matters
The park's natural beauty comes with some bushfire considerations worth knowing about:
- Eucalyptus forests and native scrub can fuel fires during hot, dry conditions
- Properties backing onto the park or nearby bushland face higher exposure
- Embers can travel several kilometres on windy days
- Spring and summer bring the highest fire risk, especially on hot, dry, windy days
Getting Your Property Ready
A bit of regular maintenance goes a long way. Here's what makes a real difference:
Around the House
- Keep gutters clear of leaves (a good excuse to tick that job off the list)
- Maintain about 10 metres of clear space around your home
- Remove dead plants, leaf litter, and branches that hang over buildings
- Keep your lawn mowed and watered during fire season
- Store firewood away from the house
- Choose low-flammability plants for garden beds near your home
- Make sure hoses can reach all parts of your property
What to Have on Hand
- Working hoses, buckets, and mops
- Battery-powered radio and torch
- First aid kit and any essential medications
- Important documents and emergency contacts
Your Bushfire Plan
The safest approach? Leave early on bad fire days. It's that simple. On days rated Catastrophic, head to a safer spot before conditions get serious.
Your plan should cover:
- When you'll leave (don't wait until you see smoke)
- Where you'll go (somewhere away from bushland)
- How you'll get there (know a couple of routes)
- What you'll take (pets, valuables, emergency kit)
- How you'll stay informed (Fires Near Me app, ABC Radio)
Fire Danger Ratings
Check the daily fire danger rating during fire season:
- Moderate to Extreme: Keep an eye on conditions and be ready
- Catastrophic: Time to leave early - this is not a day to stay and defend
How We Can Help
GoodManSolutions can take care of the property prep work so you're bushfire-ready:
- Tree pruning and hedge trimming to create safe clearances
- Gutter cleaning to remove leaf build-up
- Lawn mowing and maintenance
- Green waste removal
- Property walk-throughs to spot potential risks
- Pre-summer preparation services
Useful Resources
- Emergency: 000
- NSW Rural Fire Service: rfs.nsw.gov.au
- Fires Near Me App: Real-time fire updates
- ABC Radio Sydney 702 AM: Emergency broadcasts
- Hunters Hill Council: Local emergency info
When to Prepare
Spring (September to November) is the best time to get your property ready before the summer heat arrives. A little prep now means peace of mind later.
This is general guidance. For specific advice, check with the NSW Rural Fire Service and always follow official warnings.
Get in touch with GoodManSolutions to book your bushfire preparation services and protect your Hunters Hill property.