Plan for bushfire risk now

The wet weather may have been great for the garden but it did no favours for bushfire safety.

The rain makes things grow and creates more potential grass fuel for bushfire season, according to Department of Fire and Emergency Services South West acting Supt Danny Mosconi.

The department already had its first multiagency exercise on August 21, one of many held around the State.

“We’ve started preparing – and so should you,” acting Supt Mosconi said.

“Before summer starts, you need to decide what you and your family will do if a bushfire threatens.

“If you live in or near bush, fire is a real risk to you and your family.”

Acting Supt Mosconi said it was important for families to have a bushfire survival plan in place.

This includes discussing what to do and where to meet in case of a bushfire and having a strategy in place for pets and livestock.

“Identify risks around your home and prepare your property before the fire season,” acting Supt Mosconi said.

Preparations include having a 20m circle of safety around your home, which means making sure there are no flammables — fire wood or petrol — within 20m of the house.

“DFES will do everything it can to manage a bushfire,” acting Supt Mosconi said.

“The community also plays a part as there is no guarantee that we will be able to attend your house during a bushfire.”