SHIRE of Mundaring is encouraging residents to prepare for the bush fire season by cleaning up their yards and making sure they have an action plan in place should fire threaten their property.
The call comes in conjunction with Bush Fire Awareness Week, which runs from October 30 to November 6.
Shire Community Fire Manager Craig Garrett said he hoped the week would encourage people in bushfire prone areas to prepare themselves and their properties for the coming bush fire season.
“We have been conducting hazard reduction burns in areas throughout the Shire over the past few months,” he said.
“These prescribed burns are aimed at limiting the amount of onground fuel, which can make fire harder to control.
“We are conducting the burns and upgrading firebreaks to help manage reserves and Crown land, but residents need to take responsibility for their properties.
“People need to do these things now, not wait until the hot weather arrives and it’s too late.”
Mr Garrett said reducing the amount and structure of flammable material available to burn would help reduce the intensity of a fire.
By reducing fuel loads, firefighters were able to put bush fires out quicker and had more options to suppress a fire.
Mr Garrett said residents must prepare properties early and have an action plan in place.
“The most frequently asked questions during a bush fire is should I stay and defend my property or go early?,” Mr Garrett said.
“We encourage everyone to sit down with their partner or family and come up with an action plan now.
“If you have prepared your home prior to the bush fire season and maintained that level of preparation, and are physically and mentally prepared, your home may provide you with a safe option from which to stay and defend during a bush fire, depending on forecasted conditions.
“If you decide to go, do so early. This is much safer than trying to escape on roads covered in thick smoke or fallen trees.”
Details regarding brigade locations, contacts and rules for burning after 6pm can be found in the Shire’s Fire and Burning Information Booklet 2009-10 (sent with Rates notices).
For further information contact the Shire’s Community Safety Service on 9290 6629.