15 minutes to evacuate. Are you ready?

QFES recommends leaving early, well before fire threatens your area. If a fire is approaching and you haven't left, it may be safer to shelter in place than attempt evacuation through smoke and flames. Leave when you see smoke, not when you see flames. The average warning time is just 15 minutes—waiting until the last moment is extremely dangerous.

QFES recommends: water (3-4 litres per person per day for 3 days), non-perishable food, battery-powered radio, torch, first aid kit, essential medications, important documents (in waterproof container), phone chargers, wool blankets for radiant heat protection, P2/N95 masks for smoke, and sturdy footwear and protective clothing.

Radiant heat from bushfires can be lethal at over 100 metres from the flames. This intense heat causes severe burns, dehydration, and heatstroke before the fire front even reaches you. This is why wool blankets are recommended—they provide critical protection from radiant heat if you must shelter in a vehicle or building.

Yes. Smoke inhalation is the leading cause of death in bushfires. Smoke contains toxic gases (carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide) and fine particles that damage lungs and reduce oxygen. P2 or N95 masks meeting AS/NZS 1716:2012 standard filter these particles and should be part of every fire kit. Even if flames don't reach you, smoke can be deadly.

No. Fire blankets (AS/NZS 3504) are designed for kitchen fires, not bushfires. QFES recommends 100% wool blankets instead. Wool provides protection from radiant heat and embers without melting like synthetic materials. Wool blankets are larger, more versatile, and can be wetted for additional protection during a fire front passage.

QFES recommends minimum 3 litres per person per day, totaling 9 litres per person for 72 hours. However, during bushfire conditions with extreme heat and potential physical exertion, you should store 4 litres per person per day (12 litres total). A family of four needs 48 litres minimum. Collapsible water carriers (10-20L capacity) are ideal for storage and evacuation.

Catastrophic (Code Red in Victoria) is the highest fire danger rating. These are the most dangerous bushfire conditions—fires will be uncontrollable, unpredictable, and fast-moving. If a fire starts, your life is at risk. Leave high-risk areas the night before or early in the morning. Do not wait to see if a fire starts. Extreme conditions are also highly dangerous but may allow limited defensive action if well-prepared.

This is a personal decision requiring extensive preparation, training, and a written bushfire survival plan. QFES strongly recommends leaving early for most people. Only stay and defend if: your home is well-prepared and defendable, you have proper firefighting equipment and protective clothing, you are physically and mentally able, and you have practiced your plan. Never defend on Catastrophic fire danger days.

Embers can travel several kilometres ahead of the main fire front, starting spot fires and igniting homes before the main fire arrives. This is why you may see multiple fires simultaneously. Embers can enter homes through roof vents, gaps in weatherboards, and open windows. Clearing gutters, installing ember guards, and blocking gaps are critical defensive measures.

Mobile networks often fail during bushfires due to power outages and network congestion. Battery-powered radio (AM/FM) tuned to ABC Local Radio or emergency frequencies is most reliable. ABC broadcasts emergency warnings continuously during fire events. Keep phone charged but don't rely on it exclusively. Have a predetermined meeting point and communication plan with family members if separated.

Yes. Grass fires move extremely fast (faster than you can run) but typically have shorter duration and lower intensity. Forest fires move slower but burn much hotter and longer, with greater ember production and radiant heat. Both are deadly. Grass fires give you less warning time—often just minutes. Forest fires produce more smoke and can sustain for days. Your emergency kit and evacuation plans should account for both scenarios depending on your location.