Denmark bushfire warnings in your pocket

Denmark residents will be kept alert to the potential threats facing their homes this bushfire season, with the latest fire information sent straight to their mobile phones.

More than 100 residents have already signed up for the opt-in SMS alert service from the Shire of Denmark which will send bushfire warnings, alerts and advice straight to their fingertips this summer. Community consultation last year and the Peaceful Bay bushfire in May which burnt through 300ha prompted the Shire to investigate ways of providing greater bushfire awareness.

The public can tailor their SMS notifications to include bushfire warnings from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and information on upcoming prescribed burns and road closures and roadworks.

Residents can also receive Shire-related reminders about upcoming community events, rates reminders, and dog and cat information.

Shire of Denmark manager of community services David Schober said the Shire was committed to embracing technology to better reach and inform the community.

“This initiative complements recent community feedback in terms of how they are informed about what’s happening in the local area,” he said. “Our community continually requests targeted and timely information.

“This initiative directly responds to that feedback.”

Denmark has long been identified as a location which poses a high level risk of bushfire due to its vegetation and terrain.

The town recently hosted a Statewide simulation exercise testing its capacity to deal with a catastrophic bushfire in the lead up to summer.