Like cricket on the telly, beach days and hot northerlies, you know summer is here when the media starts fearmongering about the upcoming bush fire season. All the talk this year is about fuel loads and impending weather patterns. Given we’ve had a few years of higher than usual rainfall there is certainly a lot of bush out there to burn. While we all hope there’s no repeat of the Black Summer fires, if you’re heading out this summer then download these apps and know your local ABC station details so that you can be well prepared if things start to heat up.

• Fires Near Me NSW App: This official app offers real-time information on bushfire incidents across New South Wales, including fire locations, sizes, and alert levels. It’s an essential tool for monitoring fire activity and making informed decisions. And while it’s not official for use in Queensland it does update on those fires and is probably the best available tool at the moment.
• VicEmergency App: This app provides warnings and incident information for all emergencies in Victoria, including bushfires. Users can set up watch zones to receive tailored notifications about incidents in specific areas.
• ABC Emergency Broadcasting: In times of bushfire emergencies, reliable info can be a lifeline. The ABC provides constant up-to-date info on bushfires and other emergencies. Make sure you know the ABC frequency for the local area you’re visiting. And in case of poor phone service then buy yourself a small battery powered radio because it just might save your life.

And finally, have a bushfire survival plan. Have a copy of the local roads so that if you need to get out in a hurry you can. Stay safe out there people.