- Aerial firefighting resources activated early in response to growing bushfire risk
- Authorities call on community to take heed of warnings and be prepared
- Reminder to download the My Bushfire Plan app or go to mybushfireplan.wa.gov.au
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has activated its aerial firefighting fleet earlier this year over concerns that Western Australia is on track to have an above average bushfire season.
DFES and the Bureau of Meteorology are monitoring the key indicators which are all pointing to the threat of an early start to the bushfire season.
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said nine aircraft are being brought online earlier than previous years and will be ready to respond.
An additional four rotary wing aircraft, including two Black Hawk helicopters, are also on standby to start early if required.
Authorities are issuing an urgent call for the public to finalise their bushfire preparations as soon as possible and download the My Bushfire Plan app or go to mybushfireplan.wa.gov.au.
WA has recorded its hottest September since records began. Hot temperatures and low rainfall are expected to continue in the lead-up to summer and soil dryness readings across the Darling Scarp indicate that fuel is drying out at an earlier rate than previous years.
An emergency warning was issued for a bushfire in Corrigin last week, indicating that the warm and dry conditions are already elevating the fire risk across the southern part of WA.
The Cook Government funded aerial fleet consists of more than 30 rotary and fixed-wing suppression and aerial intelligence aircraft and is jointly managed by DFES and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Cook Government is taking every measure to ensure we have the right resources in readiness to keep Western Australians safe this summer.
"We're calling on the public to listen to the advice of emergency services - make sure you and your family are prepared before a bushfire strikes in your area.
"Our data indicates that not enough people have created a bushfire plan, which is inexcusable when you consider that more than 93 per cent of the State is bushfire prone.
"It only takes 15 minutes to create a plan for you and your family that could save your life, so I encourage people to download the app or go to mybushDAfireplan.wa.gov.auand make one today."
As stated by Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM:
"Looking at the forecast weather conditions and other factors like the level of moisture in soil and vegetation, we're very concerned that the upcoming bushfire season could be much more severe than WA has experienced in recent years.
"Mitigation is critical. If you live in a bushfire prone area like the Perth Hills or the outer suburbs, it is non-negotiable to start cutting long grass, trimming trees, and clearing any material around your home that could become fuel for a bushfire.
"These actions make it much easier for firefighters to protect your home and reduce the spread of a bushfire.
"I'm hoping the fact that we are activating our aerial resources early will send the message to all Western Australians that there is an increased risk of an early start to bushfire season, so they need to finalise their own preparations."
