BUSHFIRES BEWARE!
The events surrounding the January 7, 2025 fire in Los Angeles highlight a critical issue that often goes unnoticed: urban water systems are designed for structural fires, not large-scale bushfires.
In this case, many fire hydrants were unable to provide the necessary water pressure, compounding the challenges faced by firefighters. This situation underscores the importance of understanding the limitations of infrastructure during extreme conditions and the need for continuous improvements to support fire suppression efforts, especially in areas prone to bushfires.
Similarly, the experience on Russell Island in December 2016 serves as a stark reminder of how quickly bushfires can escalate in island communities.
The combination of hot, dry conditions, strong winds, and abundant fuel (in the form of dry vegetation) can lead to fires that spread rapidly, endangering both property and lives. Fortunately, due to the tireless efforts of fire crews, homes were saved, but the potential for disaster was clear. The lesson learned from the 2016 fires led to important improvements in preparedness and resilience on the islands.
However we have greater challenges being islands when it comes to bush fires and other disasters. We have wonderful local volunteer firefighters and Emergency Services but they have limited resources and limited volunteers.
We can’t rely on a rapid response from the mainland fire brigades especially with limited barge capacity. Loss of power and communications has greater impact on islands and are longer to repair. That also leads to depleting food stocks and loss of cooled and frozen foods. Remember when the water supply was cut and the problems that caused.
I won’t rely on Council, government departments or any other mainland service to be at my door when disaster hits. I believe it’s up to me to ensure I have taken the steps to ensure my own safety and ability to live in a reasonable setting for the first three days whilst also helping my friends and neighbours.
The message is clear: we must not wait for a disaster to strike before we take action. Now is the time to prepare and protect ourselves and our communities.
Comments