Fire agencies released planned autumn burn schedule

Fire agencies released planned autumn burn schedule

Fire agencies including Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Department of Fire and Emergency Services, will shortly commence important planned autumn burning activities. These planned burns are critical for reducing fuel loads surrounding town sites in order to reduce impact of wild fires on homes and other infrastructure should they occur. Burns planned for the local government area in April and May (weather and risk conditions permitting) include:

Alexandra Bridge (Fire Station Reserve)

Augusta (Blackwood Ave/Osnaburg St)

Augusta (Caves Rd/Bussell Hwy

Cowaramup (Ellen Brook Rd)

Cowaramup (Miamup Rd/Webster Rd)

East Augusta (Pericles St)

Margaret River (Wallcliffe Rd/Kevill Rd)

Margaret River (Railway Tce/Bussell Hwy)  

Margaret River (Roxburgh Rd - Pony Club)  

Margaret River (Bussell Hwy/Maxwell St)

Margaret River (Kevill Rd West/Zani Pl)

Molloy Island (Dalton Way/Warrior Way)

Community Emergency Services Manager Chris Lloyd said temporary access restrictions around the sites, and the resultant smoke, may cause some inconvenience but the goal was to provide a safer community for the longer term. “We are being very targeted in our selection of reserves that need fire risk mitigation this autumn,” he said. “These locations have been selected for their close proximity to major assets including homes and infrastructure. “It’s always a delicate balance to preserve environmental values and amenity with community safety. “As always we aim to conduct low heat ground fuel mosaic burns to best provide for biodiversity conservation.” The production of smoke can have impacts on some people’s health and this can be reduced by:

Removing yourself from the area (visit friends and family in other areas)

Stay indoors, with windows and doors closed, or stay in air-conditioned premises, if possible

Bring in washing

Plan not to drive during the burn, or if driving turn car air conditioning to recycle

Avoid vigorous exercise, especially if you have asthma or a lung condition.

Cover your nose and mouth with a mask designed to filter fine particles. Use a mask rated either P1 or P2. These are available from hardware stores. P2 masks are more effective in blocking the finest particles, however any mask has to be worn correctly over the nose and mouth to protect you.

Reduce speeds and follow traffic instructions

For more detailed planned burn information visit https://www.amrshire.wa.gov.au/services/community-safety/community-preparedness For real time information visit and monitor www.emergency.wa.gov.au