For most of Australia, there is one season we look forward too regardless of the dangers associated, and that season is Summer. Whilst the mercury soars, it’s hard to ignore that our beaches are beautiful and considered to be world class for cleanliness and water clarity and the water is usually a comfortable temperature and quite refreshing. However, many people forget the ever present risk of bushfires in this hot and dry season.

With warm breezes and minimal rainfalls, the scrub, grass, and leaf litter tends to dry out, whilst the highly volatile eucalyptus oils, are still deeply seated inside the plant matter, all it takes is a misplaced ember, or a dropped cigarette, and you could be facing a potential disaster.

If you are someone who enjoys escaping the concrete jungle, and getting away from the rat race during the warmer months, it pays to be aware and vigilant to avoid accidentally causing, or getting caught in a bushfire emergency.

Like us you should have an effective plan to deal with fire dangers so you can enjoy your camping escapes, stress free.


Bushfire awareness and prevention is key

Learning how to identify when you might be at risk of a bushfire could potentially prevent you from accidentally stumbling into a dangerous situation. By assessing how strong the wind is and what the temperatures are forecast, you will get a better idea of how much risk you have of

It’s a good idea when camping to check with the local authorities if there are any fires already burning in the area you are heading, there are a handful of excellent phone apps like “fires near me” that are operated by local government agencies, that give you a fires current status, such as out of control, hazard reduction or, similar warnings to help you identify the danger, you can also talk to a park ranger, or call your local bush fire brigade to find out more information.

It also pays to be aware of the legalities of starting a campfire in the area you are in, as when the fire danger is high, many places restrict burning of solid fuels as hot coals can be reignited long after the fire has burned out, potentially starting life threatening bushfires well after you have packed up and gone, particularly in areas filled with dry vegetation.

This is where gas operated barbeques like the Gasmate Voyager Portable BBQ come in perfect for your campsite cookups being fully self contained and running off gas you can easily control the temperature and quickly extinguish the flame in an instant. And if you are heading to a colder destination, including a Gasmate Portable Camping Gas Heater you can stay warm whilst still being able to instantly extinguish the flames.These leave no long term danger for other campers, and are usually permitted in just about any bushfire danger situation.

There are many other potential fire starters, things like misplaced cigarette buts, and even leaving glass bottles behind, in certain circumstances, glass can magnify sunlight and ignite small embers, potentially causing a bushfire.

If you are a smoker bring an ashtray, and extinguish your buts and bring them with you.

In addition, making sure that someone, knows what you are doing and where you are going, if you are in a more remote location, you may be cut off from communications. If you visit the local police station, or national parks office, you can usually register your name, contact number and estimated return time, back to civilisation. This trick could help you out in case of any other type of emergency you encounter, and fitting a UHF radio like the Oricom UHF380PK In-Car 5W CB Radio

to your vehicle will mean you have the ability to scan through the local radio transmissions, and by using the emergency channel and duplex function you can call for help if there is anyone nearby that can assist.

What to do if you are caught out!

Pack up and leave as early as possible; There is no point staying and crossing your fingers, with the heat and intensity of a bushfire, getting out whilst you still can, is sometimes the best option possible.

A setup that can pack-up quickly like an Adventure Kings Roof Top Tent or an Adventure Kings Swag will allow you to pack-up and get out as soon as possible. When leaving, make sure you take the most direct route following main roads, to make sure that you have a clear path.

If your exits aren’t clear and you need to stay, one of the best things you can do is find a large open space, or somewhere that has already been burned. By avoiding heavily wooded areas you are somewhat protected from the intense heat of a full on bushfire!

Taking shelter in your vehicle is the best option as it will shield you from direct heat, park in the middle of a clearing, leave your engine running and turn on your headlights,  if you can, use your shovel to clear the scrub and grass from around your car, close your vehicle’s doors, windows and block your air vents, get down as close to the floor as you can and cover all of your exposed skin with natural fibres like wool or cotton even better if you have a woolen blanket.

Make sure to Drink plenty of water before the fire reaches your car, and stay down and under cover until the sounds of the fire have gone.

As always use your better judgement and avoid travelling in areas that are bushfire affected.