City of Canning environmental officer Merise Hocking was involved with the fire risk management of various bushland areas.
Camera IconCity of Canning environmental officer Merise Hocking was involved with the fire risk management of various bushland areas. Credit: Supplied/Matthew Poon

Fighting fire on front foot

Katelyn Booth, Canning TimesCanning Gazette

The assessments were undertaken at several locations, including Bannister Creek, McDowell Street Bushplan, Ranford Road Bushland, Clifton Road Buffer, Queens Park Regional Open Space and Yagan Reserve.

Updated fire management plans will take into consideration dry material recorded in the fuel load assessments, proximity to waterways and residences, natural habitats, environmental weeds and topography.

The plans aim to manage bushfires by slashing and mowing grassed areas, weed control, firebreak installation and maintenance and tree pruning as well as gate and lock maintenance.

Canning Commissioner Linton Reynolds said the fire management plans took the environment values of the site into consideration and the presence of any threatened flora and fauna that may be affected.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

‘The fuel load assessments help the City to prepare for the fire season and they give us a better understanding of the fire risks to community and the environment,’ he said.

‘They are a significant part of bushfire mitigation for the City and the works our officers undertake will reduce any risks.’

At an ordinary council meeting on November 27, 2012, council endorsed a recommendation to authorise the City to undertake fuel load assessments and prepare further fire risk management plans to prevent any further bushfires.