Conference Papers | 2008 Conference Papers

IMMEDIATE & LONG TERM IMPACT OF BUSHFIRE ON STORAGE OPERATIONS

John Cameron, Headworks Supervisor, Southern Rural Water

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ABSTRACT

Climate change hypothesis’, if correct, points towards bushfires becoming increasingly prevalent in Eastern
Australia. Consequently it is imperative that rural utilities implement sound bushfire risk management protocols
across all aspects of their business operations. Similarly recovery from bush fires is optimised through advanced
planning.

This paper identifies a number of short, medium and long-term bushfire risks confronting water authorities with
assets in rural areas and suggests treatments for those risks.

Above all else it endeavours to evoke an awareness of the risks and the associated potential for damage to assets,
degradation of water quality and mental trauma to staff that is created by bushfire. It also aims to highlight the
need for sound advanced preparation for, and management of, future events.

KEYWORDS

Wildfire: Uncontrolled fire moving rapidly through a natural environment.
Bushfire: A managed (not necessarily controlled) fire occurring within native vegetation.
Hygrophobic: Unable to absorb moisture.