GREATER Bunbury is under imminent threat of a bushfire catastrophe this summer.
High fuel loads, low rainfall and dry soil across the South West see the coming months as having “above normal fire potential.”
A report from the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre indicates the South West will experience worse than normal conditions.
Bunbury Bushfire Brigade captain Terri Kowal said the 2015/16 summer could see an even larger bushfire than the one that devastated 98,000 hectares of land in Northcliffe last year.
“We obviously had a really bad season last year but if people aren’t prepared it could be equally as harsh this time around,” she said.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services country assistant commissioner Graham Swift said people could not afford to be naive about bushfires.
“Bushfires are an inevitable part of our landscape and can cause devastating destruction,” he said.
“DFES is working hard to prepare for the bushfire season, but everyone needs to play their part and get their home and property ready.”
The Bunbury Bushfire Brigade is working overtime to prepare for the coming season, which includes training new recruits.
“We got a lot of publicity after last year’s fires which helped us recruit some new fire-fighters,” Mrs Kowal said.
“But we still need to train these volunteers – it’s not as easy as jumping in a truck and pointing a hose at a fire.”
Last month, a report released by Auditor General Colin Murphy said bushfire volunteers had a lack of training and equipment.
The report outlined concerns about volunteer fatigue and unavailable training.
At the time, Mrs Kowal said there was a definite demand for more training.
“We need more training and definitely need it on a more regular basis,” she said.
Local crews will soon start carrying out hazard reduction burns on properties.
“The weather has been pretty good to carry out the burns so we will get started soon,” she said.
But Mrs Kowal said the general public also needed to be ahead of the curve this summer.
“People need to start thinking of ways to protect their properties and their homes,” she said.
“Everybody should have a family plan in case disaster strikes.”
Mrs Kowal said the ‘Are You Bushfire Ready?’ website provided excellent resources for those looking to prepare their property ahead of bushfire season.
She also said it is not too late for new recruits to join the brigade before summer.
“We are always looking for volunteers and we welcome anyone who might be interested in joining,” she said.
If you are interested in joining the bushfire brigade call Mrs Kowal on 9725 6389.
