Right time to prepare for bushfires

Narrogin’s new bushfire risk management officer says it is never too early to get bushfire ready, with summer just around the corner.

The Shire of Narrogin has recently appointed Peter Culpitt, right, to assess and mitigate bushfire hazards and write a risk-management bushfire plan.

Mr Culpitt has been a volunteer firefighter for nearly 17 years, and was also the captain for the Byford Bushfire Brigade for more than six years.

With the bushfire season approaching, Mr Culpitt has advised Narrogin residents not to leave their preparations until the last minute.

“I would suggest people look around their properties and clean up any green waste before the weather gets hotter and it gets drier,” he said.

“Also obviously do your firebreaks and gutters and things like that.

“But if you’re not too sure what you need to do, you can either pick up the fire control order leaflet from the Shire’s office or give the local fire control officer a call.”

WA Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm said everyone, regardless of the risk level in their area, should prepare themselves and their properties as early as possible.

“Despite rain being forecast in the near-future, the outlook in the lead-up to bushfire season is for drier than average conditions,” he said.

“Preparation and planning are the key to surviving a major bushfire.

“Take the time now to reduce fuel loads and potential fire dangers around your home.”