Rural landholders and residents have been urged to prepare their properties and business operations for an elevated risk of bushfires this season.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has a wealth of preparatory measures on its , as well as crucial advice for animal owners in the event of a fire emergency.
DPIRD incident and emergency management director Pam I鈥橝nson encouraged landholders to take action now.
鈥淭here have been several recent fires in the Wheatbelt, while the widespread distribution of bushfires last summer demonstrates that no landholder is immune to the risk,鈥 she said.
鈥淚t is not too late for landholders to implement fire mitigation activities and familiarise themselves with the emergency response actions and resources so they can act quickly and decisively if there is a fire.鈥
The Season 2022 webpage includes a link to the article with information on identifying hazards and how to make a farm fire-safe.
There is also a link to an 鈥樷 article with advice on how to prevent spontaneous combustion in hay sheds, caused by inadequate airflow.
Visitors to the page can also find a link to the DFES website, where a free online Bushfire Plan template can be downloaded.
In the event of a bushfire, owners of livestock, pets and companion animals are encouraged to follow the Animal Welfare directions on the emergency.wa.gov.au Bushfire Alerts.
鈥淭hese actions are governed by the Australian Warning System鈥檚 levels, including yellow for Advice, orange for Watch and Act, red for an Emergency Warning and black and white for All Clear,鈥 Ms I鈥橝nson said.
鈥淚t is important to stay up to date with the advice by visiting emergency.wa.gov.au and re-checking the website regularly for updates, as conditions can change suddenly during a bushfire.
鈥淎nimal owners can print or bookmark the DPIRD Animal Welfare 鈥 Bushfire Advice ratings so they can respond quickly and effectively if threatened by a bushfire 鈥 particularly if they lose power.鈥
The DPIRD website also has to assist animal owners and carers to prepare a Plan for Animal Welfare in Emergencies, including evacuation options, what to do after the fire and advice on returning home.
More bushfire preparedness information for rural landholders is on DPIRD鈥檚 found at .
For general advice on preparing for bushfires visit and for bushfire warnings and alerts during emergencies refer to .
Picture caption: Barrier fence bordering dry paddock. Rural residents and landholders have been urged to prepare properties and plans for animals in the event of a bushfire emergency.
