Bushfire Action Month underway across Western Australia

Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Deputy Commissioner Operations Lloyd Bailey said bushfires were part of living in Western Australia, with over 3,400 bushfires occurring last season.

“People cannot afford to be complacent about bushfires – it’s 100 percent guaranteed that bushfires will strike again, with potentially devastating consequences,” Deputy Commissioner Bailey said.

“To help you prepare, local volunteers are holding a range of community events across the southern part of the state in October – this is a great opportunity to get to know your neighbours, discuss your bushfire plan and learn about what you can do.”

Deputy Commissioner Bailey said connecting to your community was one way to give you and your family the best chance if a fire occurs.

“One of the most common ways that people find out about a bushfire is being alerted via family, friends and neighbours,” he said.

“Communities that prepare together are also often safer, with people sharing information, encouraging each other to prepare and learning about each other’s plans for a bushfire.

“Take the time now to get together with your neighbours and friends, read through the DFES publication Prepare Act Survive and discuss how you will prepare and what you will do during a bushfire.

“If we all work together now, we will give ourselves the best chance of surviving a bushfire.”

For information about events happening in your area during Bushfire Action Month contact your local council.

For more information about preparing for and responding to bushfires search ‘Are You Ready’.

END

Media Contact: DFES Media and Corporate Communications 9225 5955