Community urged to prepare properties now for summer

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) is urging the community to take proactive steps to fireproof their properties by undertaking planned burns and embracing the concept of firewise gardening.

As the southern bushfire season approaches, through its annual Burn Smart program DFES is calling on property owners – particularly those in high-risk bushfire areas – to use the mild spring conditions to prepare their properties.

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM said spring presented the ideal conditions to conduct planned burns to reduce future bushfire risk.

“Cooler temperatures, damp vegetation and light winds mean that low-intensity planned burns can be conducted safely and effectively to reduce the build-up of flammable material around properties,” he said.

“Planned burning is an effective mitigation tool and is one of the best ways to reduce the intensity and size of bushfires.”

In addition to planned burns, DFES is also encouraging residents to consider firewise gardening – a strategic landscaping approach designed to reduce the risk of property loss or damage by creating a defensible space around the home.

“Homes are exposed to fire in three main ways: embers that can travel kilometres ahead of the fire front, radiant heat and direct flame contact,” Commissioner Klemm said.

“The way you design and maintain your garden can make a critical difference in how a fire impacts your home.”

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

“Creating defensible space doesn’t mean giving up your garden, it means designing it in a way that works for you and for bushfire safety,” Commissioner Klemm said.

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.

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. 

To view and download Burn SMART resources visit dfes.wa.gov.au/plannedburning.

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

Media Contact: DFES Media and Corporate Communications 9395 9543