The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is warning communities in the north of the State of a potentially significant bushfire season with an increased risk in the Kimberley.
According to the Department the quarterly Bushfire Natural Hazards CRC Australian Seasonal Outlook predicts above normal fire conditions for the Shires of Broome and Halls Creek and parts of the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley.
Commissioner for Fire and Emergency Services, Darren Klemm said the heightened fire threat was the result of heavy recent rainfall from Tropical Cyclones Blake, Damien and Esther, which contributed to an increase in soil moisture and fuel loads.
“Fire and Emergency Services works with relevant stakeholders to carry out mitigation works in the Kimberley, including prescribed burning and creating low-fuel areas, in an effort to protect critical areas or infrastructure from the impact of bushfires,” Commissioner Klemm said.
“Responding to a bushfire is a shared responsibility and people need to play their part. I urge the community to plan what they will do if a bushfire threatens their area.”
He said there was a need to consider three key questions — when will you know to leave, where will you go, and which way will you go?
“While residents in the State’s north have experienced relatively mild bushfire seasons in recent years, today’s outlook is a reminder they cannot be complacent,” Commissioner Klemm said.
“To ensure we are prepared for the possibility of large-scale fires, firefighters in the Kimberley are undertaking extensive training, upskilling and reviewing their firefighting equipment,” he said.
“In the meantime, with a predicted late start to the northern bushfire season, we remind residents of the Kimberley that they still have time to reduce fuel loads on their properties.’
Commissioner Klemm said the outlook also indicated that although the State’s south had experienced prolonged dryness, current wet and cool conditions will restore moisture in soil and result in a normal fire risk this winter.
