Planning and advice for rural businesses

If you live or work on a rural property or rural business, there are specific things you should do to prepare for the possibility of a fire emergency.

Planning for fire

  • Have two escape plans - one for getting out of the house, and one for getting off the property (or out of the way of an oncoming fire).
  • Have a plan for contacting emergency services when out of phone contact.
  • Understand the fire danger and fire season status.
  • Maintain water supplies with good access and adequate sign posting for emergency services.
  • Provide appropriate tank couplings or adequate access to static water for portable pumps, so that our responders can use these if necessary.
  • Ensure fire trucks and large vehicles can access your property by clearing roads and driveways to a width and height of at least 4 metres.
  • Display your Rural Addressing Property Identification (RAPID) number or road/street number clearly at the beginning of your driveway.
  • Keep a list of important contact numbers by your phone.
  • Teach your children to call 111 in an emergency.
  • Have a battery-powered radio in case of power cuts.

For more tips on things you can do to protect your farm from fire, check out our rural landowner fire safety checklist