An above average fire risk remains in place this season for major pockets of WA including the South West, Darling Range, and Great Southern, according to the 2018 Southern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook released today.
This is due to record winter rain and persistent dry soil experienced throughout parts of WA, which could lead to bigger and more frequent bushfires.
Fire and Emergency Services commissioner Darren Klemm warned Western Australians not to be complacent.
“We are in a much better position this year than we were a few years ago, largely as a result of bushfire risk managing planning by local governments and the state’s prescribed burning program,” he said.
“But more than 90 per cent of WA a is bushfire prone, and there is no predicting when and where it might occur.
“It’s extremely important that the community takes action to prepare now to reduce the impact of these potentially catastrophic events,” Mr Klemm said.
“I urge everyone to play their part by preparing your home and having a bushfire plan in place.
“During an emergency, the community often relies on emergency services to be at their doorstop, but people must take responsibility to ensure the safety of themselves and family.”
People travelling in these bushfire prone areas should keep updated with bushfire alerts and warnings by visiting emergencywa
The Yallingup Rural Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade will hold its fire season education session on October 20 for residents to get the latest information on bushfire preparation.
The event will be held from 10am to 12pm at Winter Retreat, Yallingup, for more information visit facebook.com/events/235174073838298/.