Your bushfire season driving checklist

Summer promises long light, open roads and the kind of easy freedom we look forward to all year. Yet, summer also brings risks; whether that be bushfires that within moments shift conditions, or smoke-filled air that causes sudden road closures. In such circumstances, safety is unequivocally essential, and it starts with staying informed and prepared.

This checklist keeps things simple: know today’s risk, carry the right basics and have a clear plan if you see fire ahead. A few calm steps now can make the difference when conditions shift.

Before you go

Stay informed

• Check today’s fire danger rating and any nearby activity for your route.
• Use your state fire authority for live info:
  • ACT (esa.act.gov.au
    )
  • NSW (rfs.nsw.gov.au
    )
  • NT (pfes.nt.gov.au
    ) 
  • QLD (qfes.qld.gov.au
    )
  • SA (cfs.sa.gov.au
    ) 
  • TAS (fire.tas.gov.au
    )
  • VIC (cfa.vic.gov.au
    )
  • WA (dfes.wa.gov.au
    )
• Set up alerts in the state official apps/maps:
  • ACT/NSW: Fires Near Me (Android
    /Apple
    )
  • NT: Fire Incident Map
  • QLD: RFS Current Bushfires Map
  • SA: Alert SA (Android
    /Apple
    )
  • TAS: Alerts Map
  • VIC: VicEmergency (Android
    /Apple
    )
  • WA: Emergency WA Map

Pack a simple summer bushfire kit

• Woollen blankets (can help protect from radiant heat; dampen with water if safe to do so)
• Protective clothing: sturdy shoes, full-coverage cotton/wool garments
• Drinking water and first-aid essentials
• Portable AM/FM radio with spare batteries
• At home/destination, confirm fire protection systems are maintained: hydrants, hose reels, portable extinguishers, emergency lighting, exit signage

On the road

If you see smoke or fire ahead of you

• Turn around and leave the area if it’s safe to do so
• When safe, call Triple Zero (000) and report the fire
• Tune to your local ABC radio to check for fire updates
• Ensure you follow official state fire apps for emergency updates, such as NSW RFS
  , CFA Victoria
  and the Queensland Fire Department
  ). For example, the CFA has specific advice about driving in fire zones
  .

If you cannot retreat (route is blocked)

• Pull off into the clearest area, away from tall grass, scrub or trees
• If possible, position behind a solid barrier (concrete wall/rocky outcrop); otherwise, park facing the fire
• Turn headlights and hazards ON; engine OFF; windows & vents CLOSED
• Shelter low: cover yourself with woollen blankets (wet if possible) and lie below the window line
• Hydrate. Stay put until the fire front passes and the temperature drops, then exit carefully (surfaces will be hot) and await help

Resources to help keep you safe

• The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has a Bushfire overview – travelling/roads
  page with things to know and how to act if you encounter a bushfire.
•  The Queensland Fire & Emergency Services (QFES)
  offer tips on driving and bushfire awareness. The QFES emphasises that if bushfires are burning along your planned route you should work out a new route to avoid them.

Accessing fuel during major fire events

Have a Plan B

• Nominate a backup site before you leave as bushfires and closures can disrupt refueling
• Make a quick fire-info check part of your pre-drive routine so you can detour before the gauge runs low

Fuel storage controls (for operators storing fuel)

• Review storage against state legislation and your bushfire survival plan.
• Small operators: keep only quantities you can manage safely.
• Larger operators: consider higher fire-rating tanks.
• Summer heat reduces fuel storage life (condensation/microbial growth). Check for water at the tank bottom with a dipstick indicator; if detected, siphon until clear and bright.

Accessing fuel during major fire events

Have a Plan B

• Nominate a backup site before you leave as bushfires and closures can disrupt refueling
• Make a quick fire-info check part of your pre-drive routine so you can detour before the gauge runs low

Fuel storage controls (for operators storing fuel)

• Review storage against state legislation and your bushfire survival plan.
• Small operators: keep only quantities you can manage safely.
• Larger operators: consider higher fire-rating tanks.
• Summer heat reduces fuel storage life (condensation/microbial growth). Check for water at the tank bottom with a dipstick indicator; if detected, siphon until clear and bright.

Final check before you drive

Confirm today’s rating, enable alerts, keep your kit in the boot and know your detour/refuel Plan B. A few minutes of preparation makes summer driving safer for your family, business and the communities you travel through.

Stay safe this summer by focusing on preparation; it only takes a few minutes to ensure your break is both enjoyable and safety-assured.

_Disclaimer
^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}