Wollongong is no stranger to the effects of bushfires and every year they have the potential to pose a serious threat to life and property within our city.

Our city's ability to deal with bushfires has gradually been strengthened through:

• the implementation of the Illawarra Bush Fire Risk Management Plan
• better development controls
• increased hazard reduction works on Council lands
• increased public education and awareness 
• coordination of all bushfire management activities through the Illawarra Bush Fire Management Committee.

The impact of bushfires on life and property can be reduced with responsible preparation and effective reduction of bushfire hazards.

One major fire management strategy is the creation of Bushfire Asset Protection Zones (APZs). Our bushfire management program involves the establishment and maintenance of APZs on Council land. 

An APZ is an area of land, adjacent to a building, where the bushfire fuel load is managed to significantly minimise the impact of fire on that asset. The APZ acts as a buffer zone between an asset and the unmanaged bushfire hazard (often large areas of bush land). When designed and maintained correctly, an APZ will reduce the likelihood of:

• ember attack on the asset 
• radiant heat damage to the asset 
• a ground fire travelling to the asset and igniting the house.

A bushfire may still travel through an APZ towards the asset, however intensity of the flames will be reduced and fire fighters and home owners will have safer access to defend the property.

We encourage local residents to help maintain these areas through the Fiready program. The Fiready program is a community based program that provides support, training, safety equipment and other resources for community members to carry out ongoing bushfire fuel management works within the APZ in conjuction with Wollongong City Council. Each Fiready group is supported by an experienced Council officer who coordinate the activities of the group, provide materials and equipment, and carries out training and education for group members.

The group days provide an opportunity for local residents to  share information, express concerns to council and stay updated about the most current information regarding bushfire safety.

New groups are always welcome. To find out more about the program and how you can become involved please contact council's Bushfire Officer on 0418 4107 98

The group meeting times for existing Fiready groups are as follows.