Bushfires a dangerous reality this year in the State’s north

With more than 550 bushfires occurring in the Kimberley and Pilbara last year, bushfires are part of the landscape and it is inevitable that they will strike again this season.

DFES Kimberley Superintendent Grant Pipe said that travellers need to be alert and watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.

"Bushfires can start suddenly, move quickly and have devastating consequences,” Superintendent Pipe said.

“It is essential travellers stay alert and if they see signs of a bushfire, call triple zero and leave the area immediately.

Superintendent Pipe said people exploring the North should always travel with a bushfire survival kit and map.

“Before leaving on a road trip, ensure you have packed a survival kit containing essential items such as a portable radio, spare batteries, a first aid kit, woollen blankets and drinking water,” Superintendent Pipe said.

“If you are driving through regional and remote areas, I strongly encourage you to download the Emergency+ App onto your smartphone which provides critical location details to triple zero operators.”

The Northern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for 2016 has been released by the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC.

“Although this season is predicted to be average for bushfire risk, people should not be complacent as an average season still results in hundreds of bushfires impacting the north of the State,” Superintendent Pipe said.

“The Kimberley and Pilbara are beautiful regions to visit and we want tourists to remember it for all the right reasons - so be prepared, expect bushfires and stay informed.”

Travellers can keep up to date with emergency information and Fire Danger Ratings by visiting the DFES website at www.dfes.wa.gov.au

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Media Contact: DFES Media and Corporate Communications 9225 5955