Mount Isa Rural Fire Brigade is calling for residents to start preparing for this year's fire season, by mitigating risks around properties.
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Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Mount Isa inspector Fiona Quirk said North West Queensland was expected to have an average fire season in 2020.
"We are expecting an average fire season with an early onset wet, however this does not mean we need to get complaisant about mitigating risks around our homes," Ms Quirk said,
"Residents still need to have a plan and prepare properties in the event that a bushfire may threaten them."
Ms Quirk said there were a number of things residents could do to protect their properties.
"Residents should make sure their properties are prepared with their gutters emptied, reduce vegetation loads along access paths, mow your grass regularly and trim low-lying branches two metres from the ground surrounding your home," she said.
"Anyone can log onto the Rural Fire website where there are tips and plans that can help with preparations."
Ms Quirk said there had already been a number of fires in the past month.
"We have had a few fires out towards Lake Moondarra, with one grass fire near the Quarry that we needed to contain to prevent any damage," she said.
"There was also a fire in the river bed near Twenty-Third Avenue that we attended with the Mount Isa Fire Brigade.
"We are planning with Council to conduct some additional burning around Twenty-Third Avenue to mitigate risk. There is a lot of coordination with burning the river bed, as we need to make sure no one is in there at the time."
The Mount Isa Rural Fire Brigade also celebrated Yellow Ribbon Day on September 8.
"Today we are recognising the hard work our Rural Fire Service volunteers do throughout the state, mitigating risks and extinguishing fires to keep everyone safe," Ms Quirk said.
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