Right, let's cut to the chase. Bushfires are bloody serious business in Australia, and if you're not prepared, you're asking for trouble. Bushfires in Australia are fast and unpredictable. The Black Summer of 2019-20 burned over 17 million hectares, destroying homes, farms, and businesses.
This isn't about scaremongering—it's about giving you the practical know-how to protect your family, your property, and yourself when the heat's on.
Whether you're new to bushfire country or you've lived here your whole life, this guide will help you understand how to prepare for bushfires with real, actionable steps that actually work.
Before you can properly prepare, you need to understand exactly what you're up against. Not all areas face the same bushfire risk, and different conditions call for different responses.
Hot, dry winds are your biggest worry. When the temperature's climbing, humidity's dropping, and the wind's picking up, that's when fires can turn nasty fast.
Keep an eye on these danger signs:
Quick Reality Check: If it's a Total Fire Ban day and you can see smoke anywhere on the horizon, that's your cue to pay serious attention to what's happening around you.
Some areas get hammered regularly, others might go decades between major fires. Understanding your local fire history helps you prepare for what's actually likely to happen.
Check these patterns in your area:
Having a plan isn't optional—it's the difference between making smart decisions under pressure and panicking when every second counts.
This is the big one. You need to decide well before any fire threatens whether you'll evacuate early or stay and defend your property. There's no middle ground here, and changing your mind at the last minute is how people get trapped.
If you're leaving early:
If you're staying to defend:
Your emergency kit should be ready to go at all times during fire season. Don't wait until there's smoke on the horizon to start packing.
Must-have items:
For staying and defending:
How to prepare for a bushfire in Australia means thinking like fire thinks. Embers travel kilometres ahead of the main fire front, and they're looking for anything that'll catch and burn.
Your house needs breathing room. The closer flammable material is to your home, the more likely you are to lose it.
Zone 1 (0-10 metres from house):
Zone 2 (10-30 metres from house):
Embers are sneaky little buggers—they'll find every gap, crack, and opening in your house. Sealing up properly can mean the difference between minor damage and total loss.
Critical ember-proofing:
Water supply setup:
Bushfire preparation isn't a once-a-year job. Each season brings different tasks, and staying on top of them means you're never caught off guard.
Post-fire season is perfect for maintenance and planning improvements.
This is your chance to make major improvements when fire risk is lowest.
Time to get serious—fire season's coming.
This is go-time. Daily monitoring and constant readiness.
Having the right gear means nothing if it's not properly maintained and you don't know how to use it. Practice with your equipment before you need it for real.
Essential firefighting gear:
Personal protection:
Staying informed during a bushfire emergency can literally save your life. Mobile networks often fail, so have backup communication methods.
Communication essentials:
Let's be honest about the mistakes that get people into serious trouble. Learning from others' errors is smarter than making them yourself.
Right, enough theory. Here's what you need to do, starting today.
This weekend's priorities:
This month's goals:
Before fire season starts:
Don't wait for next fire season to start thinking about this. Every bushfire season teaches us that the people who fare best are those who've planned properly, prepared thoroughly, and practiced their responses.
Start with the basics: clear around your house, get your water supply sorted, and make your leave-or-stay decision. Build from there, and remember—the best bushfire plan is the one you've practiced and can execute under pressure.
For reliable fire fighting pumps, transfer pumps, and quality hoses explore Jono&Johno. When your property's on the line, choose Australian-quality gear built for our conditions.
Remember: Early preparation and decisive action save lives and property. Don't leave it until you can smell smoke.
Co-Founder & Director, Jono & Johno
With a passion for business that started at just ten years old—when he and Grant, ran a worm farm out of an old bathtub—Charlie has played a key role in growing Jono & Johno into a trusted name in the industry. He oversees product sourcing, customer education, and the company’s online growth, ensuring customers have access to the right equipment and information to get the job done.
Through years of experience, Charlie has developed a deep understanding of the outdoor power equipment industry and is dedicated to helping customers find the right gear, troubleshoot common issues, and keep their machines running smoothly.
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