A VOLUNTEER firefighter training session held on Molloy Island last week has highlighted a lack of preparation by local homeowners for fire season.
District Officer Capes Danny Mosconi, of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, said it was evident a number of homeowners would need to work hard to make their properties safer for volunteers to defend during a fire.
Fire safety is a shared responsibility.
- District Capes Officer Danny Mosconi of DFES
The revelation came as part of Bushfire Action Week when 50 volunteer firefighters from Augusta-Margaret River participated in a fictional emergency scenario on Molloy Island.
"The group started with a theoretical session before mobilising to Molloy Island where they were advised fire was going to impact on the island in two hours," Mr Mosconi said. "They were tasked to assess properties to see if they would be defendable or not."
The group included volunteers from the Molloy Island, Kudardup, Alexandra Bridge, East Augusta, Rosa Brook, and Karridale Bush Fire Brigades as well as crews from Augusta and Witchcliffe Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service.
“Fire safety is a shared responsibility,” Mr Mosconi said.
“Some ways property owners can make their homes more defendable include ensuring firefighting trucks have access to the property. Four metres wide by four metres high is ideal.”
Water supply and a defendable space for the firefighters to work from are also crucial.
“A 20-metre Building Protection Zone is vital to ensure your house and our volunteers are safe during a fire,” Mr Mosconi said.
People should keep their gutters from leaves and debris, prune all low-hanging tree branches, and avoid having trees or shrubs within two metres of their homes.
On Tuesday, October 28, DFES started a prescribed burn near Samworth St in Margaret River, as part of a five-year mosaic burn program planned for the area's reserve. Once completed, the proposed prescribed burn will provide strategic protection for the adjoining private properties and community assets from damage of an uncontrolled bushfire event.
This project also marks the Augusta-Margaret River Shire’s first mobilisation of an all-female crew to assist in a controlled fuel reduction burn.
For tips on how to make your home more defendable, visit dfes.wa.gov.au.
