Queenslanders urged to take three steps to stay bushfire safe

7 September 2026

With Queensland facing a heightened bushfire risk, the state’s bushfire safety campaign has been refreshed to help keep Queenslanders safe. 

Queensland’s Fire Department (QFD) has worked with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s Get Ready Queensland program to encourage early preparedness and practical action to help residents survive the bushfire period.

Drawing on hard lessons from recent years, the refreshed campaign provides examples of how every Queenslander, regardless of where they live, can prepare for bushfires.

QFD’s 2026 campaign encourages Queenslanders to take three simple steps before the danger period – know your risk, have a Bushfire Survival Plan and get your property bushfire ready.

Knowing your risk involves understanding your surrounds, where bushland may be situated, and how quickly fire could move through it.

A Bushfire Survival Plan helps families decide whether to leave early or stay and defend and removes panic from the equation when it matters most.

Residents can get their property bushfire ready by clearing gutters, mowing grass, moving flammable material away from the house and maintaining defendable space around buildings.

Over the past decade, Queensland's heightened bushfire risk periods have grown more intense and unpredictable. 

Heading into the 2026–27 season, forecasters have flagged elevated risk across central and southern Queensland, with hot, dry, windy conditions expected to drive dangerous fire days through December and into the new year. 

Actions Queenslanders can take to prepare for bushfires include:

  • Reducing bushfire fuel around your property by keeping grass and leaf litter at a minimum. 
  • Cleaning out gutters of twigs or debris.
  • Mowing your lawn regularly, trim low-lying branched around your home.
  • Checking and maintaining fire pumps and water systems.
  • Reviewing your Bushfire Survival Plan and create a contingency plan for unexpected events.
  • Conducting hazard reduction burns (a permit is required to ensure burns are conducted safely).
  • Discussing prevention strategies with nearby neighbours to prevent fires from spreading.
  • Ensuring your property number is easy to identify in the case QFD crews are required in an emergency.
  • Keeping up to date with your local council Disaster Management Dashboard and warnings on the Queensland Fire Department website.