How to track bushfires on the internet
Bushfire season is back. Track fires via the internet. Have a plan. Stay safe.
A Sky Muster Plus connection could be a lifesaver along with this list of online bushfire tracking resources/rural fire service websites.
Be prepared for bushfire season
Our customers regularly let us know how critically important a good internet connection is to them during the fickle Australian seasons, especially when there are bushfires around. But the relief from customers is palpable now they know that the new Sky Muster Plus means there is always data available for this crucial safety exercise.
That’s why we thought – with bushfire season kicking off again – it was pertinent to create a one-stop-shop list of state-by-state online fire tracking resources for you to use from the safety of your internet connection.
*Please remember that being able to track the fire does not negate the need for a broader safety plan. Never risk your life. Always follow advice from authorities and be prepared.
Online bushfire tracking resources/rural fire service websites
State-wide
ABC Radio
Listening to ABC radio frequently during bushfire season is one of the best ways to stay on top of bushfire information during an emergency. If you don’t have a radio, don’t worry, you can do that online if you choose and we’ve supplied the link below.
They also have a fantastic webpage for emergencies where you can track an incident by postcode and access a bunch of truly excellent resources for natural disaster preparation.
My FireWatch
This resource uses satellite imagery to detect and report on bushfire hotspots and their impact on the land.
It provides bushfire location information in a quick and accessible form, designed for general public use.
But the makers of this resource put a very strong emphasis on the fact that this is not intended to be used for making active decisions during fires.
It is a very useful resource to help you prepare ahead of a bushfire so definitely jump over and check it out.
“Earlier this year we had bushfires. We had them come within 8km of the house which everybody was worried about. We were able to use our internet to check live where those fires were at all times and we were ready to go in case it happened. Sky Muster could literally save your life. Being able to track fires, it could save your life.”
– Simon, SkyMesh Customer
Victoria
Country Fire Authority
This is such an impressively comprehensive resource. It includes everything from viewing current incidents and warnings through to fire bans, what you can and can’t do on hot days, and how to get prepared.
From this site, you can also find out how to volunteer or get a job with the Country Fire Authority if that’s what inspires you.
VicEmergency App
This handy little app brings together emergency information and warnings from agencies including:
- Country Fire Authority
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions
- Fire Rescue Victoria
- Life Saving Victoria
- Victoria State Emergency Service.
It is managed by Emergency Management Victoria and supported by the Department of Justice and Community.
New South Wales
Fires Near Me
Fires Near Me is a piece of brilliance from the NSW Rural Fire Service.
They give you a map of the state and a list of incidents that correspond to icons on the map. Clicking on the icon on the map will give you all the latest information about that incident.
Scrolling down the page will give you access to a wealth of information about the alerts as well as resources on fire bans, danger periods, preventing bushfire arson and what to do during a fire. They also offer a great guide for developing your own bushfire survival plan.
You can access all this greatness via either their website or their app.
NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE TWITTER
NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE FACEBOOK
“Just recently we’ve had fires up in the National Park which is our largest neighbour to the east. And as the fires were along the top of the ridge, we could literally sign into the security camera and watch the fire and monitor it from a safe location. And without the SkyMesh internet that would not have been possible.”
– Tim, Camp Sommerset
Tasmania
The Tasmania Fire Service
The Tasmania Fire Service is the place to get all the latest information and alerts on bushfires in your state. From here, you can also get guidance on developed a Bushfire Protection Plan and where to find evacuation centres if you need them.
There really is an overwhelming amount of useful material here so it’s worth paying close attention to if you’re a Tasmanian resident.
The map is the best place to start your journey on this site. Follow the legend to check out what’s happening near you at the moment and then navigate on to other resources across the site.
TASMANIA FIRE SERVICE FACEBOOK
South Australia
The South Australian Country Fire Service
The South Australian Country Fire Service has a great interactive map that allows you to set your location and get the bushfire conditions for the day in return.
The fantastic material on this site tells you how to prepare for a fire, develop a bushfire plan, survive a bushfire and so much more.
Get all your warnings, track current incidents and learn about evacuations.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY FIRE SERVICE website
“Well we are in a high bushfire area. Having the internet is very important for us, particularly coming through the summer periods where we get CFS reports and that tells us exactly where the fire is located. As all people that live in rural areas understand that communication like this is the lifeline to us in a bushfire season.”
– Danny, SkyMesh customer
Western Australia
Emergency WA
Another great interactive map where you can search your address and find out what’s happening around you at any time.
Click through to get more information on preparing for a bushfire as well as understanding other potential natural disasters.
These folks have taken the time to compile a list of resources to help you out during the aftermath of a bushfire as well.
Worth taking a good look through this site well before a bushfire starts.
DEPARTMENT OF FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES WA TWITTER
DEPARTMENT OF FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES WA FACEBOOK
Queensland
Rural Fire Service
Monitor bushfires in Queensland via the interactive map on the Queensland Government’s Rural Fire Service website.
From here you can gain advice, watch what’s going on, see the alerts to act and learn all about bushfire safety, planning and volunteering with the Rural Fire Service.
QUEENSLAND FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES TWITTER
QUEENSLAND FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES FACEBOOK
Northern Territory
SecureNT
The homepage of SecureNT begins with a rolling feed from their social media accounts with current warnings and updates.
From here, you can navigate to the incident map to keep an eye on bushfires and other local disasters. Clicking on the map icons gives you the most up-to-date summary of any existing incidents.
While this website covers all types of emergencies, they do have a specific tab for Bushfires. Again, this is a rolling feed from their Twitter and Facebook accounts.
At the very top of the page, you can navigate your way through resources that fall neatly under the categories of prepare, respond and recover.
It’s all here so it is definitely the place to go to stay abreast of any bushfires in the Northern Territory.
Australian Capital Territory
ACT Emergency Services Agency
This website is your link to information on emergencies of all sorts across the ACT.
Bushfires sits number one in the left-hand side navigation featured across the site and will give you all the resources you need to get prepared.
Immediately beneath Bushfires in the navigation bar are Emergency Warnings. This is where they link you to all the places you can stay up-to-date on the latest information from radio and television stations through to social media accounts.
We’ve made it easy for you to get to the social media accounts straight from here with buttons below.
ACT EMERGENCY SERVICES AGENCY website
Hear from our customers
Online resources for tracking bushfires are only going to be of value to you if you have a reliable internet connection. We’ve heard this first-hand from our customers many times.
Watch the video below to hear our customers tell you about their own experiences with bushfires and their SkyMesh internet connections.
Make sure you have a reliable internet connection this bushfire season. Find out what’s available where you live.
Shaping Explained