Bushfire prevention

1997 Bushfires, Lucas Heights

In late November 1997, major bushfires swept through NSW, affecting 20 local government areas. More than 500,000 hectares (ha) were burned and four firefighters were killed. The fires lapped the very edges of ANSTO's 70ha campus south of Sydney, burning ten houses in the adjacent suburb of Menai to the ground.  

ANSTO's extensive hydrant system, independent water supplies and fuel reduction program were utilised in the battle, and several staff volunteered to put out spot fires.

Since these fires, ANSTO has formalised its bushfire planning strategy, actively building on these and other experiences to enhance its on-site services, systems, training and equipment.

Today, ANSTO is prepared for all possibilities in terms of bushfire prevention and firefighting. A purpose-built fire truck is situated on-site to handle site bushfires, and more than a hundred high pressure fire hydrants with attachments suited to most NSW fire brigade vehicles are available.

Twenty ANSTO Volunteer Bushfire Responders have also been given training, and are supported by a team of qualified staff who are able to provide first response to bushfires on-site.

Integrated planning

The NSW Fire Brigade, Menai, and the Rural Fire Service are on call to handle bushfires in the buffer zone and surrounding natural bushland.

Compliance and annual program

ANSTO more than complies with local government requirements for fire. The organisation has an annual program to manage the bushfire risk around the Lucas Heights campus. This involves hand clearing, mechanical clearing and controlled hazard reduction burns, which produces fire break zones extending around 60 to 80 metres from buildings.
  

 ANSTO's experience with local bushfires has helped shape an integrated bushfire plan based on prevention.