DFES urges Great Southerners to prepare early for upcoming bushfire season

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is calling on the Great Southern community to start preparing their properties for the upcoming bushfire season.

With warm weather and dry conditions on the horizon, now is the time to look at bushfire mitigation.

With above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall forecast for spring, Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm has warned dangerous fire weather could arrive earlier than expected and people must be proactive.

“Warm weather and dry fuel means bushfires in November could escalate quickly and the window for planned burning could close earlier than usual,” MR Klemm said.

“The next two months create an ideal window of opportunity to conduct planned burns, clear and prune vegetation, build firebreaks and make your home ember-proof.

“Last year was a comparatively milder bushfire season in WA so people mustn’t become complacent — take the steps now to reduce the fire risk around your home because firefighters cannot be at every property.”