Prescribed burning reduces risk of catastrophic bushfires this summer but risk remains above average

PRESCRIBED burning and previous bushfires have reduced the risk of catastrophic fires across the Darling Range this summer, however an above average fire risk remains in place.

The 2018 Southern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook reported higher fuel loads in the forests and

shrub lands across the Darling Range have been fragmented into smaller parcels which had reduced above normal fire potential areas in the metropolitan area and Avon Wheatbelt.

However Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm warned Western Australians not to be complacent.

“We are in a much better position this year than we were a few years ago, largely as a result of Bushfire Risk Managing Planning by local governments and the State’s prescribed burning program,” he said.

“But more than 90 per cent of Western Australia is bushfire prone, and there is no predicting when and where it might occur.

“It’s extremely important that the community takes action to prepare now to reduce the impact of these potentially catastrophic events.

“I urge everyone to play their part by preparing your home and having a bushfire plan in place.

“During an emergency, the community often relies on emergency services to be at their doorstop, but people must take responsibility to ensure the safety of themselves and family.”

People travelling in these bushfire prone areas should keep updated with bushfire alerts and warnings by visiting emergencywa