Lakeland landholders were lucky to escape without any structural losses after strong winds caused a bushfire to burn through thousands of acres of scrub and farmland last week. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
The mayor of Cook Shire is imploring residents and visitors to be more bushfire aware after the Lakeland and Cooktown communities had lucky escapes from potentially catastrophic bushfires last week.
The intensity of the blazes was exacerbated by strong winds across eastern Cape York, with another large fire also burning out a significant amount of land at Mount Carbine at the same time.
Luckily, none of the fires caused structural losses or significant property damage, but Mayor Robyn Holmes said the events were a warning everyone needed to understand the risk of bushfires and have a plan in place, especially when the region’s remoteness and limited alternative road exits were taken into account.
“In the dry season, it is imperative everyone knows where to get information in the event they may be impacted by bushfires,” she said.
“Council’s disaster dashboard is the most updated source of information for residents in Cook Shire, and I would strongly encourage residents and visitors to make themselves aware of the information before travelling into isolated areas, and to assist in preparing for fire season.
“During a bushfire, I would encourage everyone to prepare for evacuation, given fires are unpredictable, especially in areas prone to high winds and changing temperatures; if you happen to be in the path of a fire, be prepared to leave early, as you will have next to no time to evacuate if the wind and conditions change for the worst.”
Mayor Holmes’ sentiment was echoed by the Queensland Fire Department (QFD), with a spokesperson telling Cape York Weekly it was critical bushfire survival plans and official warnings were understood and readily reacted to.
“During a bushfire, your safety depends on your preparations and the decisions you make,” the spokesperson said.
“Make your bushfire survival plan now and know exactly what you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your property.
“Bushfires are unpredictable and plans can fail; a contingency plan that identifies your alternate options may save your life if you are caught in a fire.”
Cape York residents can create a bushfire survival plan by visiting the QFD website.
