ServiceWA app bushfire warnings based on your location
Updates to the ServiceWA app include Emergency WA’s bushfire warning notifications sent to your mobile device. You can enable the notifications and app inbox messages based on your current location.
Emergency WA is the state's official source for emergency information, managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
The website allows you to see a map of the warning area and information about what to do to stay safe. You can visit this website anytime through your web browser to stay up to date.
Other ways to stay informed during an emergency are:
- staying in touch with neighbours, family and friends
- being alert and aware of your surroundings
- following the Department of Fire and Emergency Services on and
- listening to ABC local radio, and
- tuning in to 6PR in the metropolitan area.
Find out how to enable the bushfire warning notifications with the help of the how-to video on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enable the Bushfire Warning Notification Service?
Show moreTap on Emergency WA in the Services section of the app to find the information and services, and terms of use. You will need to accept this if you are happy to continue.
You will also need to enable your Location services, Motion & Fitness and Background App Refresh settings to start receiving the warning notifications to your device. It’s best to select ‘always allow’ to keep the bushfire warning notifications accurate based on your current location.
Watch the How-to video at the top of this page for further help in setting up your bushfire warning notifications.
Do I need to have Background App Refresh (iOS) or Allow background data usage (Android) enabled to receive notifications?
Show moreYes, you will need to enable this so you can receive the most up to date notifications based on your current location.
Will I still receive a message from the Emergency Alert Telephone Warning System (TWS)?
Show moreThe Department of Fire and Emergency Services will continue the Telephone Warning System separate to the ServiceWA notifications.
Please remember the telephone warnings are generally only given where life and property are under imminent threat. You should never wait for a telephone warning before acting during an emergency.
Where does ServiceWA source notifications from?
Show moreEmergency WA is the State’s official website for emergency information and the ServiceWA App receives the warnings and boundaries from Emergency WA.All public information and warnings will also continue to be communicated through your local ABC radio and Emergency WA.
What type of warning notifications will I receive?
Show moreYou will get notifications including a warning level, location, and a link to Emergency WA with the most up to date safety information.
You can also find this message in your ServiceWA inbox as pictured below.
What triggers a notification?
Show moreYou will get a notification if you are in a warning area and if:
- You are entering the warning area.
- There is a change to the warning area boundary or to the warning level.
Remember to always check Emergency WA for the latest information.
Will I receive multiple notifications if my phone is off and switched back on again within a warning area? Will I receive every warning message that was issued for my location?
Show moreNo, you will only receive the most recent notifications relevant to where you are.
Your ServiceWA inbox will also have the full history of warning messages sent to you.
Why do I get both a notification and an inbox message about a warning?
Show moreReceiving both a notification and inbox message will help you find the message history if you ever need to check again.
Why does ServiceWA want access to my Motion and Fitness activity?
Show moreThe motion sensor on your device helps to reduce the drain on your battery, which can happen if you only have location services enabled.
Data such as your heart rate is never recorded or stored.
I use an Android phone, and I have my location settings enabled, but I did not receive a Bushfire message.
Show moreYou must enable both location services and physical activity to receive notifications.
Will I still receive notifications if I only allow location services while using the app?
Show moreYou will still receive notifications if you select ‘only while using the app’ but the notifications will only appear if you have the app open.
This means you will not receive a notification when you close the app. Selecting ‘always allow’ is recommended to make sure you always receive important alerts.
I don’t want to allow ServiceWA access to my motion and fitness data, can I still use the app?
Show moreYou will need to allow both sets of permissions to receive Emergency WA notifications.
Will I receive a notification on a smart watch?
Show moreThis feature is currently available on Apple smart watches only.
Will bushfire notifications from ServiceWA automatically trigger or alert emergency services to come and rescue me?
Show moreEmergency WA notifications from the ServiceWA app will not trigger or alert emergency services to send firefighters to your location. It’s important you stay aware of your surroundings, follow any emergency warnings and follow your bushfire plan. If you don’t have a plan, it’s important you make one by visiting visit
Why didn’t I receive a notification?
Show moreThere are a number of reasons why you may not receive a notification, such as you have not selected the 'always allow’ feature, you were not in a warning area, you did not have internet access, or background app refresh enabled.
Remember, a bushfire can strike at any moment and there may not be enough time to issue a warning before life or property are under threat. Never wait for a notification from ServiceWA before taking action for your own safety.