Plan to Burn SMART to protect your property and community

Every year thousands of burns are successfully undertaken on private properties, however a small number escape.

Nearly 75 percent of all escaped burns in Western Australia over the past three years started on private properties.

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM said Burn SMART focusses on the actions landholders need to take before, during and after conducting a burn.

“We live in a State that is over 90 per cent bushfire prone so having the tools under our belt for best burning practice is beneficial for both landholders and their local community because it can help save lives and homes,” Commissioner Klemm said.

Commissioner Klemm said the wrong conditions could cause a fire to quickly get out of control.

“Planned burning is vital to reduce the risk of bushfires, but people are often unaware of the personal responsibility that comes with lighting and extinguishing one,” he said.

“I urge all landholders who want to undertake mitigation work on their properties to Plan Smart and Burn SMART to help protect their properties ahead of the next bushfire season.”

A digital and radio campaign to promote the new resources coincides with the two-year anniversary of more than 150 escaped burns reported in the South West and Great Southern over a five-day period in May 2018.

The escaped burns sparked several bushfires and put immense pressure on emergency services.

Burn SMART is the first public resource created by the Bushfire Centre of Excellence, which harnesses and shares valuable bushfire knowledge and experience that will benefit the community.

Before conducting a planned burn, people should contact their Local Government to confirm what burning restrictions may apply to their area.

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

Media Contact: DFES Media and Corporate Communications 9395 9543