I have some beekeeping that needs to be done. Its not a total fireban where my bees are at, CFS says there's a high risk though still and I feel nervous about using a smoker.
What can Australian beekeepers do during the summer time? Whenever a smoker is used there's a chance if it causing a bush fire. Is there an alternative to using a smoker?
I have two fire extinguishers, a bucker of water and a water drum, a steel bucket to drop the smoker in but it doesn't seem adequate. I could get a tarp maybe, and lay it down around the hives before I light the smoker, to act as a barrier between the smoker and dry flammable grasses and weeds.
Could it be worth to get a heishin bag, to leave it submerged in the water so I can beat a fire with it if need be? If so, where could I find a heishin bag?
I'm just feeling conflicted. I don't want to ignore my bees for the next few months they struggle most during summer. But I don't want to cause an immense amount of destruction by checking in on them.