From a former firefighter's perspective.

I wrote an article just today actually. I know this sub forum is for victims of bushfires to share their stories. I guess I just wanted to also share from a former firefighters experience and experience. Firefighters can experience trauma as well, and develop what is known as PTSD. Year after year, I see footage of people that leave me feeling mad. The thing is I am actually not feeling mad with the person, I am feeling helpless watching it happen and knowing that the person has put themselves in great danger. There is every chance a firefighter could come along and get them out, doing checks in order to save peoples lives. The thing is they are risking their life in doing so. They also may have left it too late for an avenue of being able to escape the fires alive.

I also feel mad because year after year, people are still dying. I ask myself why have people not learnt from catastrophic Australin bushfires in the past? Do they think they are immune? Do they not understand fire? I get FRUSTRATED year in and year out. So this year, I decided, I am going to write an article and get it to as many people as I can.

I mean no disrespect to the victims of bushfires who post their personal stories here. Nor do I hold any judgement either. I just want to see less deaths if any and for more of the Australian public to get more educated and prepared around bushfire season. A copy of my article is below to be read.

Please remember what is shared here, stays here. That includes the article. Thank you.

Former Firefighter- Cautions About This Summer Season.

There are fires each year, all around the year in Australia. Every person knows that from November through till February Australia is on high alert for bushfire season. I am an ex rural firefighter and every year from now on, I am going to write a post during bushfire season.

There are so many things I want to stress to the Australian, Indigenous and other Cultural ethnicities about bush fire season in Australia. Please listen to this very important and clear advice. I am writing in order to save your life, your kids lives and your pets lives. I am no longer out there fighting bushfires to be able to save you, your children nor your pets anymore, but I can still use my experience to potentially save your life, your family and your four or two legged family.

This is advice for anyone, however it is especially imperative advice for those who live in areas who are known to be more prone and in danger of bushfires occurring very easily. We have had too many deaths in Australia over the years and I am hoping we can reduce those numbers drastically.

This is my advice.

From September onwards please start cleaning out your gutters of debris. Leaves, sticks and whatever else has gotten caught up in your gutters.If you safely know how to backburn on your property and you know it is necessary, please do it as soon as possible. Preferably towards the end of October and no later than the first week of November. If you are not confident enough to do that on your own, you can always call the local fire warden to come out and do an assessment of your property.

He/She will make suggestions of what needs to be done and hey presto the team will come out and get the job done safely. Backburning is necessary and it could actually save your home as you have caused a fire break. Sure a fire needs oxygen, but it also needs material to burn. If it has nothing to burn, it cannot go anywhere.

If you know there is a potential you may need to leave your home, please do not think you will be OK and it will not happen to you. A fire spreads very fast and it doesn't slow itself down so you can get prepared. There is a terrible roaring sound and that can be very frightening as it gets closer.

The closer it gets, the thicker the smoke becomes which makes visibility and the ability to breathe much harder. Listen very closely to reports and pay attention what is being said with the reports. Do not risk your life, your kids lives and families lives by staying till the last minute.

Around the first week of October or as soon as possible if it cannot be done then, pick a small box for each family member and put things in that box that are important. Important documents, photos, family heirlooms, kids favorite toys, some clothing, things for your pets, whatever is personal to you. Make it only one small box each and as light as possible. If you have to leave, you do not want to be carrying heavy boxes and trying to find room in the car for them.

Work out your safety plan. It does not have to be in depth. Basic things like which route you will take to get yourself and your family to safety. Sometimes roads are not accessible. Trees may have fallen and are blocking the roadway. Usually in the early stages of fire, the firies are there to tell you to go another way that is safe but it still helps to know what you are going to do.

If you have elderly family in the area, talk to them ahead of time. They are not as fast and agile and can get very scared and panicked. It is important to talk to them about all of these things to if they have no plans of their own that ensure their safety.

Last but not least, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, remember this. Staying behind to hose your home with one small hose, is not going to do a single thing to save your house. I understand that your house is so very important to you and there are reasons to want to save it. Your life is so much more important and a house can be rebuilt.

You cannot be replaced. What is the point to stay behind to save your house when you will not be around to enjoy it. Please understand Australian blazing bushfires pack so much heat that it could singe your hair before it has even touched any part of your body. It can ravage your entire house in a matter of minutes. Please take all the advice above and value your life, more than your house.