New nationally consistent bushfire warnings ahead of summer

Western Australia’s bushfire warnings will have a new look this summer as a new national framework for emergency information comes into effect.  

From today, the Emergency WA website will feature new bushfire warning colours of yellow for Advice and orange for Watch and Act, while Emergency Warnings will remain red.

The new colour scheme and icons bring Western Australia in line with other States and Territories using the Australian Warning System (AWS).

The changes are the first step in WA’s adoption of the AWS, which delivers nationally consistent emergency information to help the public recognise and understand warnings no matter where in Australia they are.

The AWS was developed based on community consultation and research conducted across the country and is being implemented in all States and Territories. 

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM said a national approach would help simplify emergency information for all Australians.

“By adopting a nationally consistent approach, we can make it easier for people to understand how to act when disaster strikes – whether they’re at home in WA or travelling interstate,” Commissioner Klemm said.

“With summer approaching, now is the time to start familiarising yourself with the bushfire warning system and making a bushfire plan.

“Knowing the warning system will help you know what to do if a bushfire threatens you.”

As well as new bushfire warning colours, Emergency WA will show warnings in an ‘accordion’ format, making it easier for people to quickly locate information relevant to them such as road closures and evacuation centres.

These changes are the latest in a suite of improvements based on community feedback, including the recent addition of visual weather information layers.

Managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services on behalf of the State Government, Emergency WA is Western Australia’s trusted source of emergency information.

For information during an emergency visit emergency.wa.gov.au

Media Contact: DFES Media and Corporate Communications 9395 9543