SHIRE of Serpentine Jarrahdale is ready to tackle bushfire season and urged residents to prepare similarly.
The Shire has also promoted the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ (DFES) campaign encouraging people to take five minutes to prepare a bushfire plan.
More than 97 per cent of Serpentine Jarrahdale is considered bushfire prone and there are six volunteer bushfire brigades made up of nearly 400 active volunteers within the Shire, who attend between 250-300 incidents each year.
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READ NOWDFES assistant commissioner metropolitan Brad Delavale said it was critical everyone was prepared for the threat of fire.
“Anyone who lives near bushland needs to have a fire chat with their family and housemates to determine when you will know to leave, where you will go and which way you will go if you’re threatened by a bushfire,” he said.
“The single biggest killer is indecision – knowing what to do in a bushfire is vital.”
Shire President Michelle Rich echoed DFES’ advice and said it was vital people also knew their neighbours plans.
“Preparedness doesn’t just mean having your own plan in place. It also means knowing that your neighbours have a plan and that should a bushfire occur, you know they’re safe,” she said.
“This is particularly important for people who have elderly or disabled neighbours who may not necessarily be able to evacuate themselves in an emergency.”
Information on how to prepare for bushfires and a range of other emergencies is available from the DFES website and www.emergency.wa.gov.au/prepare.
Shire to benefit from new fire engines
Bushfire brigades within the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale will be able to react faster and with greater assuredness thanks to two new light tanker vehicles.
Worth a combined $300,000, the vehicles will replace existing aging tankers and give volunteer fire-fighters the ability to better navigate the severe off-road conditions faced in fire zones.
Volunteer brigades across the Shire are currently recruiting new members for both fire-fighting and support roles. Full training is provided.
For more information on becoming a member visit http://www.sjshire.wa.gov.au/what-we-do/emergency-services/volunteer/.
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