Darlington Bushfire Ready Group

Recently we held our post-season street contacts discussion with attendees from DFES Community Preparedness, BRG facilitators, and 15 residents present and numerous apologies. The meeting reviewed the local fire scene noting Darlington had a very quiet time, with weather conditions also very mild, although current soil dryness conditions capable of allowing a fire if started, to escalate quite rapidly.

Since our last meeting facilitators have attended the Community bonfire day and the Arts Festival, promoting Bushfire Ready programmes, and were much appreciated. DFES indicated their concerns on residents awareness of road closures during disasters, which include bushfires, and the forthcoming storm season, and its impact on homes and surrounds.

Again like preparedness for a possible fire, you need to also be prepared for excessive winds and rain, and remove any light items etc. For more information on this go to dfes.wa.gov.au/ hazard-information/storm.

One topic which certainly had most commenting on is the new FIRE DANGER RATING system.

Major changes with no burning on HIGH or above limits the amount of mitigation burns that can be undertaken by the Brigade and residents. Also each fire danger rating is linked to required actions, but these are confusing... ”Plan and Prepare” and “Prepare to Act” ... sound the same but have different actions being required to do, and then the “Catastrophic rating” ... hopefully will never reach that, but ensure in you have the action you are going to undertake in your bushfire plan.

DFES are currently undertaking a review of this rating system and we have submitted our submission. Residents are also invited to do the same at AFDRS@dfes.wa.gov.au.

It is never too late or too early to clean up around your property in preparation for the next fire season, instead of leaving it all to the start of the season.

If you require any information on Bushfire Ready programmes come down to the fire station Saturdays between 9.00am and 10.00am.

Colin James | Coordinator 0419 969 223

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Remember

000 is the ONLY number to ring for all fire and smoke sightings.