A new era for bushfire mitigation in Western Australia

From new facilities and equipment to a specially trained workforce, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ (DFES) State Bushfire Mitigation (SBM) branch is strengthening its workforce and resources to protect land and communities across Western Australia.

Supported by a State Government funding to build a statewide bushfire mitigation capability, the changes mean SBM crews are now conducting on-ground mitigation works in all WA cities and towns on Crown land where DFES holds bushfire risk management responsibilities. Crews also support local governments and other agencies to manage fuel loads on their land.

SBM is rolling out its four-year plan to build this capability. On-ground works began in the second half of 2025 and will continue to increase as the branch expands its fleet and workforce.

The branch’s new space in High Wycombe has provided dedicated office areas and warehouse facilities to accommodate machinery and equipment.

The team continues to expand with new staff and equipment. Further recruitment and fleet procurement is underway, with custom built trailers, woodchippers, slasher and mowers already in service. Heavy machinery including a front end loader, compact tracked loaders, prime mover and tilt tray are planned for future procurement.

Crews have completed specialist training in chainsaw operation, machinery and chemical spraying. This supports their ability to undertake a broader range of mitigation activities using chippers, compact track loaders and heavy-duty slashers.

These skills were in action in early June 2026 when crews supported clean-up efforts following the severe storm event across Perth and other affected areas, assisting with chainsaw and woodchipper operations.

Chemical spraying works are also underway, with selective hand spraying and firebreak maintenance boom spraying conducted across Geraldton and Perth in the past month.

In partnership with the Department of Justice, the Section 95 program continues to support bushfire safety across the State, with prisoners from six prisons completing more than 30,000 hours of mitigation works to date.

SBM will also continue supporting local governments in developing Bushfire Risk Management Plans and will keep working with the Department of Education to assess and treat bushfire risk at schools in high risk areas.

SBM's work forms part of a broader and long-running commitment to bushfire mitigation across Western Australia. Since 2017, the Mitigation Activity Fund Grants Program has allocated more than $74 million to 83 local governments, resulting in more than 10,000 bushfire mitigation treatments across the State.

For more information and advice on preparing for bushfires, visit dfes.wa.gov.au/bushfire.

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