Get ready – Bushfires

Bushfires can threaten lives, homes, businesses and the environment. Smoke, embers and heat can affect areas well beyond the fire front.

The Gold Coast's annual bushfire season typically runs from September through to December, although seasonal changes can extend or shorten this period.

In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

Fire Warning Icons

Understand the warnings

The Queensland Fire Department issues warnings for bushfire using the Australian Warning System, including Advice (yellow), Watch and Act (orange), and Emergency Warnings (red).

Fire Danger Ratings

Fire Danger Ratings show how dangerous a bushfire could be if one starts on any given day. When fire danger ratings are elevated, be prepared to act quickly and monitor conditions.

 

  • Moderate (green): Be ready to act – stay informed and be prepared to take action if conditions change.
  • High (yellow): Plan and prepare – review your bushfire survival plan, prepare your property and know what you will do if a fire starts.
  • Extreme (orange): Act now to protect life and property – fires can spread quickly and be difficult to control. Take action early to protect yourself and your property.
  • Catastrophic (red): For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas – these are the most dangerous fire conditions. The safest option is to leave risk areas during the night or early in the day. Act quickly and monitor conditions as they can change quickly.

Stay informed

Before a bushfire

Be prepared ahead of the bushfire season and when fire danger ratings are elevated.

  • Make sure you have an emergency plan and emergency kit.
  • Pack essential items such as water, medications and important documents.
  • Make or review your bushfire survival plan.
  • Know when you will leave and where you will go.
  • Prepare around your home and property, including your pets and livestock.

During a bushfire

If it is safe to leave, you are not prepared or find it hard to move quickly, leaving early is your safest option.

  • If you have a bushfire survival plan, follow it.
  • Go to a safe place away from the bushfire area. This maybe with family or friends.
  • Protect yourself from heat and smoke.
  • Monitor warnings and listen to your local radio station.

If you cannot leave safely, shelter in a sturdy building and follow emergency advice.

  • Stay in one room with more than one exit on the opposite side from the approaching fire.
  • Close all windows, doors and vents. Seal gaps with wet towels.
  • Get as low as possible and cover yourself with a blanket as the fire front passes.
  • As the fire passes, the safest place will change so be ready to move quickly.
  • Watch for embers and spot fires. Put them out with water if it is safe.
  • Call someone to tell them where you are.
  • Protect yourself from heat and smoke.
  • Monitor warnings and listen to your local radio station.

After a bushfire

Continue to take care after the fire has passed.

  • Continue to monitor warnings.
  • Stay away from fallen powerlines and damaged trees.
  • Look for embers around your property.
  • Be aware of hazards such as asbestos and contaminated water.
  • Wear protective clothing during clean-up.
  • Access support services if required.

Know your risk

Find out about local bushfire hazards and risk information.

Planning for bushfire

Flames burning dry bushland and the side of a tree
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