Shire’s Firefighters Ready For Summer

Meteorologists around the state have warned of an El Nino summer, so our local Shire volunteers and staff are prepared to manage a busy season.

With the Spring/Summer Restricted Burning Period now underway, the Shire’s Appliances are prepped, mitigation activity is being undertaken, and firefighters are ready for the fire season ahead.

The Shire’s intensive annual appliance servicing program is now complete, and its 17 vehicles and appliances are fully checked and ready to go at a moment’s notice. 

Crews have also been working on mitigation burns and have another 34 treatments scheduled for completion by early 2024. These will be a mix of mechanical and hazard reduction burns. Areas of focus will include Molloy Island and East Augusta, with a goal of improving access and movement around these high-risk areas.  Protection of the new strategic water tank in Alexandra Bridge is also a priority. 

The Shire’s fire crews are also working closely with other state government departments including the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to ensure the most efficient and effective ways to protect our community. 

Residents are encouraged to prepare bushfire plans and protect their own properties by managing firebreaks to ensure vehicles have clear access in case of emergencies.  If you intend to light any fire in the open air, you will need a Permit to Burn and must comply with all conditions on your Permit.

As an additional precautionary measure, residents can register for the Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban SMS service. This doesn’t advise of Total Fire Bans, which are announced each day at 16:00 on Emergency WA. For more information on fire and emergency management go to the Shire’s website.