The McGowan Government has today paid tribute to a South-West mining company for supporting the State's emergency services during a weekend of unprecedented bushfire threat.
Volunteer and career firefighters fought four Level 3 bushfires simultaneously on the weekend of February 5 and 6 as they hit Denmark, Bridgetown, Shackleton and Wickepin.
As dozens of crews worked tirelessly to bring the bushfires under control, a Greenbushes lithium miner generously offered accommodation to around 150 personnel responding to the Bridgetown blaze.
Talison Lithium, which runs its own bushfire brigade to support volunteer emergency services groups in the region, also provided its water cart so fire crews could reload their supplies.
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson and Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM visited Greenbushes today to present Talison with a Certificate of Distinction for playing its part in containing the Bridgetown bushfire.
Talison staff were among the volunteer firefighters who helped protect lives and property as the fire burnt through more than 2,200 hectares.
Entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with DFES in late 2020, the Talison Fire Brigade is now recognised as a brigade in its own right.
The Bridgetown blaze was just one of three big bushfires supported by Talison during the recent high-threat period.
Talison provided free accommodation and food to emergency services personnel responding to the Level 3 Calgardup bushfire that threatened the townsite of Margaret River in December.
It also offered beds to 34 firefighters from the South-West who fought a Level 2 bushfire near Kirup in February.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"For many years now Talison has played an active role supporting emergency services in the South-West.
"Every little bit of help is important when dealing with a Level 3 bushfire like the one in Bridgetown where residents were forced to evacuate.
"On behalf of the McGowan Government, I want to thank Talison for all the support it provided in keeping the community safe on such a challenging weekend for the State.
"All the volunteer firefighters who brought the inferno under control can be incredibly proud of their brave efforts."
As stated by Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM:
"DFES has developed a strong relationship with the Greenbushes lithium mine operators since we signed the Memorandum of Understanding in 2020 to formally recognise the Talison Fire Brigade.
"Since then, the Talison brigade has provided important support to the Greenbushes Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade and other volunteer emergency services groups in the district."
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"As the local member, I thank Talison Fire Brigade for their help during what was a very dire and trying time for our community during the Bridgetown and Denmark fires.
"Our volunteer firefighters and emergency services personnel across not only Warren-Blackwood, but throughout Western Australia, are so selfless and dedicated to ensuring our communities are kept safe."
