Perfect time for planned burning to prepare for bushfire season

Communities across the southern half of Western Australia are being urged to get ready for bushfire season by taking a series of steps to fire-proof their properties.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has launched its annual Burn SMART campaign which calls on households and businesses to undertake planned burns and develop firewise gardening.

Acting Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Melissa Pexton said weather and environmental conditions pointed to another busy bushfire season for firefighters and the community needed to prepare for the risks now.

“We are coming off the second-driest July on record for the south-west of WA and low rainfall is forecast during spring,” Acting Commissioner Pexton said.

“That is a dangerous combination for bushfire season so communities should take action to ensure they’re prepared.

“With dry conditions forecast for southern WA this month, households and businesses should get an early start on mitigation and planned burning. 

“DFES reminds all Western Australians bushfires can start even in lower-risk conditions, so I urge communities to prepare now.”

Planned burns on private property are an effective mitigation tool. They can significantly reduce fuel loads and the potential for major damage during bushfire season but it is crucial they are conducted safely so they do not escalate and damage the environment or put life and property at risk.

Burn SMART resources, available on the DFES website and YouTube channel, help simplify the process of developing a burn plan for your property, explain what fuel and weather conditions mean and outline the local requirements.

Acting Commissioner Pexton also highlighted firewise gardening as a strategic tool to reduce the risk of property damage if faced with a bushfire.

Firewise gardening involves planting low-flammability species, maintaining clear zones around structures and designing landscapes that slow the spread of fire and reduce radiant heat exposure.

Research shows that the type of plants you choose, their position on the property and the way they are managed as they grow are key factors that can either increase the risk of damage or protect a home from a bushfire, even if the resident isn't there.

“The way you design and maintain your garden can make a critical difference in how a fire could impact your home,” Acting Commissioner Pexton said.

“Creating a defendable space doesn’t mean households have to give up on their gardens, it is about designing it so it works for you and for bushfire safety.”

In the lead-up to summer residents are encouraged to:

• Conduct planned burns while conditions are mild.
• Remove dead vegetation and clear gutters and undergrowth.
• Choose fire-resistant plants and use non-combustible materials around the home.
• Keep trees pruned well away from structures.

Firewise gardening resources are also available on the DFES website and YouTube Channel.

Western Australians are reminded to register their planned burns with the DFES Communication Centre on 08 9395 9209 to reduce the number of false alarm Triple Zero calls made to emergency services.

When planning a burn, property owners need to assess weather conditions and obtain advice from their local government about possible burning restrictions.