Community must prepare for extreme fire conditions

If temperatures in Perth reach the predicted maximum on Saturday, it will be the earliest occurrence of a 40-degree day in November since records began. The Wheatbelt and Goldfields regions will also experience extreme fire danger ratings on Sunday.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Deputy Commissioner Craig Waters urged the public to be aware of their surroundings and act immediately if they see smoke or flames.

“This weekend’s conditions mean the smallest of fires can escalate quickly and become unstoppable, so you need to take steps now to ensure you are prepared,” Deputy Commissioner Waters said.

“Visit firechat.wa.gov.au and have a five-minute Fire Chat with your family about what you will do if a bushfire threatens your area.

“You need to know what your triggers are to leave, where you will go and how you will get there. Knowing these three things will give you the greatest chance of survival should a bushfire occur.”

Deputy Commissioner Waters said firefighters are ready to respond but safety was everyone’s responsibility.

“There will never be as many fire trucks as there are homes. You cannot wait for a text or a knock on the door – you need to take action and stay up-to-date via the emergency.wa.gov.au website, follow DFES on Facebook, listen to your local ABC, or call 13 DFES (13 3337),” he said.

Bureau of Meteorology Acting State Manager for Western Australia James Ashley said a combination of high temperatures, strong winds and dry conditions would lead to Severe to Extreme fire danger ratings for parts of southern WA.

“A high-pressure system moving into the Bight will direct hot and dry North Easterly winds over the west coast on Saturday, causing temperatures to increase to 40°C in some places, including Perth,” Mr Ashley said.

“The hot air will move eastwards on Sunday, and the eastern Wheatbelt, Goldfields and South East Coastal districts are likely to experience temperatures in the high 30's with Severe to Extreme Fire Weather conditions.

“If Perth reaches its predicted top of 40°C on Saturday, it will be the earliest a 40°C day has been recorded at Perth in November, and only the 3rd time it has reached 40°C in November since temperature records began in Perth in 1897.”

For more information on how to prepare and respond to bushfires visit emergency.wa.gov.au. Stay up to date with weather information by monitoring the latest forecasts and warnings at http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/.

Media Contact: DFES Media and Corporate Communications 9395 9543​