News of bushfires is rife over summer and can have a devastating impact if it impedes on your community.
With the City of Canning bushfire season commencing 1 November to 30 April every year, it is best to overly prepare yourself, family, property and business throughout this time.
Starting suddenly and without warning, bushfires are devastating and happen every summer in Western Australia. WA’s bushfire season in the Perth metropolitan and south west regions starts in November and continues through to April.
However, as climate and seasonal conditions change, bushfires in WA are becoming more common and the risks are increasing. The devastating impact a bushfire has on a community has a lasting effect and can take years to recover from. Bushfires are not just threats to those living on rural properties. If you live in a metropolitan area near bushland or natural reserves, then they are also a real threat to you, your family and property.
Preparing yourself, your family and your property is your responsibility. You need to understand the bushfire risk so you can make decisions now about what you will do if a bushfire starts.
View current alerts and warnings.
During a major bushfire
The more you prepare your property the better chance it will survive a bushfire, even if you are not there. Visit the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) website to find out more.
Living near bushland
In addition to complying with the requirements of the Fire Hazard Reduction Notice, residents living near bushland are encouraged to take further actions to reduce the risk of fire to their home. This includes implementing a Building Protection Zone (BPZ) by creating a minimum 20 metre building protection zone around your home and other buildings. This area needs to be clear of all rubbish, long dry grass, bark and material that may catch fire around your home.
To help prepare for a bushfire, visit DFES's bushfire preparation checklists and resources webpage.
Bush fire prone zones
Bush fire prone zones are areas identified as being subject or likely to be subject to a bush fire attack. If you live in a designated bush fire prone zone, you may be subject to additional planning and construction requirements. Visit the DFES's bushfire prone areas webpage to see if you live in a bush fire prone zone.
Total fire ban
A total fire ban may be declared by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services because of extreme weather conditions or when widespread fires are seriously stretching firefighting resources. When a Total Fire Ban is declared, it prohibits the lighting of any fires in the open air and any other activities that may start a fire.
Visit the DFES website to find out more.
My Bushfire Plan
The more you prepare your property the better the chance it will survive a bushfire, even if you are not there!
For information and advice visit the My Bushfire Plan website.