Horses, Land And Water

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Fire prevention planning
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Introduction

The threat of fire is high for many stable yards, where the storage of hay, bedding and electrical faults can be potential causes of fires. There is a greater threat on horse properties that are located in rural areas with a high bushfire risk.
 
In South Australia, all rural property owners have a responsibility to undertake bushfire prevention measures on their land (Country Fires Act 1989).
 
The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) recommends that property owners (e.g. land size over 0.5 hectares) maintain a four metre break along boundary fence lines and around all outbuildings, and a 20 metre break around dwellings (under-storey vegetation kept at 10 cm height or less).
 
Local councils may give notice to a landowner requiring specific action to be taken to remedy a potential hazard. Failure to comply is an offence and the council may carry out the work and recover the cost from the landowner.
 
Steps to achieve best practice

Suggested actions are: -
  • Develop a fire prevention plan. This should outline the work required to help safeguard your property, and what actions should be taken on high fire risk days, and if a fire threatens. Your local fire service can assist in fire training and fire information.
  • All property owners should be aware of and heed fire restrictions e.g. Total Fire Ban Days that apply in their districts.
  • Your fire prevention program may include:-
    • Maintain adequate fire breaks around buildings (minimum 20 metres) and property infrastructure (minimum 4 metres), and manage excess fuel loads.
    • Store feed and other flammable materials safely on the property.
    • Make sure fire fighting equipment is on hand, in working order, and ensure staff are capable of basic fire control.
    • Ensure suitable sources of water are accessible for fire fighting on the property.
    • A fire emergency plan for the property. Ensure any staff or other people on the property are aware of the plan. This could include:
      • reporting a fire,
      • emergency plans for spot fires and approaching bushfires,
      • communication plans,
      • access for fire-fighting vehicles,
      • strategies for protection of livestock and property,
      • evacuation plans,
      • safe assembly areas for people and horses, and
      • emergency first aid facilities.
  • In bushfire risk areas, horse property owners should consider:
    • How can I protect my horses and property from a bushfire?
    • What should I do when a fire threatens?
    • What should I do during and after the fire?
  • Property managers should also cooperate with (and may contribute to) neighbourhood and district fire plans, and these should also be understood by staff and clients of such businesses as agistment centres.
  • Plan for paddocks close to buildings and animals to be regularly grazed.
   
Best Practice
 
A fire prevention program is documented and implemented throughout the year.

 
 
In South Australia all rural property owners have a responsibility to undertake bushfire prevention measures.

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