Relentless weather conditions give firefighters little reprieve

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM said the extreme heat and forecast wind changes were a catastrophic combination that could result in small fires quickly getting out of control.

"This week’s weather conditions are some of the most challenging firefighting conditions I have seen in many years and unfortunately, weather conditions are not easing over the coming days, in fact they are only going to get worse,” he said.

“These challenging conditions have been seen in Red Gully and surrounding areas where an out of control bushfire has been burning since Saturday and temperatures are expected to soar into the 40s from Thursday.

“We face the risk of new fires igniting and existing fires escalating, which would put extreme pressure on emergency services.

“I would like to thank all volunteer and career firefighters and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions who have worked day and night to get these fires under control.

“But this is a reminder that firefighters can’t be on every doorstep, so all Western Australians need to play their part by having a bushfire plan and being ready to act.”

For more information on how to prepare your family and home for a bushfire visit mybushfireplan.wa.gov.au.

Stay up to date with the latest bushfire emergency information by visiting emergency.wa.gov.au.

Media Contact: DFES Media and Corporate Communications 9395 9543​