Protect Animals from Fire

UPPER Hunter landowners are being urged to begin planning to protect livestock from bush fires.

Skye Moore, emergency management officer for Hunter Local Land Services said bush fire plans need to include how animals will be managed.

“If landholders have a plan in place and a bush fire alert is issued they will know what steps they need to take to give their livestock the best chance for survival,” said Ms Moore.

“Being prepared for a bush fire can help landholders protect themselves, their livestock and their property,” she said.

“If a landholder has to leave quickly, they will need to leave their livestock in the safest paddock on the property.

“Landholders should ensure they prepare a suitable designated area to use in the event a bush fire occurs,” Skye Moore said.

Bunnan grass fire in April this year.

Key advice includes:

• livestock should be moved to an eaten-out paddock, irrigated pasture or bare yards with a cleared or ploughed perimeter;
• sheep should be moved to a low risk paddock or confined area such as sheep yards surrounded by a bare area, and be moved early;
• horses should be transported off the property early or agisted if they can’t be kept safe during a bush fire;
• care should be taken with horses so they are not locked in an area where they may panic and hurt themselves. A large sand yard is suitable if there are no flammable buildings or vegetation nearby, and
• livestock should be easily identifiable in the event fences are destroyed and stock escape.

Apps recommended by Hunter Local Land Services include: MyFirePlan, Fires Near Me and Live Traffic NSW.

For further advice and assistance, landholders can contact Skye Moore on 02 4930 1030.