Note: The order to evacuate may also come direct from the Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) and/or District Emergency Operations Controller (DEOCON). Each work area at UNE may have different threat levels depending on the surrounding environment. For example; I work in an area surrounded by bush What to expect: Fires in dense bushland can be very hot, intense and fast moving. Burning embers may be blown from the bush, landing on property and starting spot fires or setting fire to your property. Embers may lay and burn for many hours, even after the main fire front has passed. Smoke and fire may affect roads, making it difficult to leave. The radiant heat from a fire nearby may set fire to your building or surrounds. I work close to grassland or paddocks What to expect: Grass fires can start easily and spread quickly, not only destroying buildings but also crops and endangering livestock. Grass fires are very hot and can produce huge amounts of heat which can kill anyone out in the open. As grass dries out or cures, it can catch fire more easily. Fires in tall grass will have tall flames that may burn across trails, roads or fire breaks. Grass fires can move much faster than a bush fire, catching people off guard. I work in an area where the bush or grasslands meet built-up areas What to expect: Fires can spread quickly from parks and reserves, threatening your office, fences or gardens. Thick smoke from the fire might make it difficult to see or breathe. Even if you work a few streets back from the bush, you are at risk from ember attack. Neighbourhood Safer Places Neighbourhood Safer Places are a place of last resort during a bush fire emergency. They are to be used when all other options in your bush fire survival plan can't be put into action safely.
Note: The order to evacuate may also come direct from the Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) and/or District Emergency Operations Controller (DEOCON). Each work area at UNE may have different threat levels depending on the surrounding environment. For example; I work in an area surrounded by bush What to expect: Fires in dense bushland can be very hot, intense and fast moving. Burning embers may be blown from the bush, landing on property and starting spot fires or setting fire to your property. Embers may lay and burn for many hours, even after the main fire front has passed. Smoke and fire may affect roads, making it difficult to leave. The radiant heat from a fire nearby may set fire to your building or surrounds. I work close to grassland or paddocks What to expect: Grass fires can start easily and spread quickly, not only destroying buildings but also crops and endangering livestock. Grass fires are very hot and can produce huge amounts of heat which can kill anyone out in the open. As grass dries out or cures, it can catch fire more easily. Fires in tall grass will have tall flames that may burn across trails, roads or fire breaks. Grass fires can move much faster than a bush fire, catching people off guard. I work in an area where the bush or grasslands meet built-up areas What to expect: Fires can spread quickly from parks and reserves, threatening your office, fences or gardens. Thick smoke from the fire might make it difficult to see or breathe. Even if you work a few streets back from the bush, you are at risk from ember attack. Neighbourhood Safer Places Neighbourhood Safer Places are a place of last resort during a bush fire emergency. They are to be used when all other options in your bush fire survival plan can't be put into action safely.
whs-g013-emergency-response-plan-bush-fire.docx