Be Bushfire Ready

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A Bushfire Ready Group is a local community action group aimed at encouraging local residents to work together to prepare and protect their families and properties against bushfires as best they can. Bushfire Ready Groups provide an opportunity for neighbours to network, share ideas and information and to develop and implement strategies which can reduce their bushfire risk.

In a bushfire, a fire truck may not be available to protect every home. This means residents and homeowners need to be responsible for their own safety.

Bushfire Ready is a community-driven program supported by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and the Shire of Denmark to increase the resilience to bushfire risk in our community.

Bushfire Ready Groups started in Denmark in 2018 and are already operating in a number of areas.

Why join a local Bushfire Ready Group?

Who is my local Bushfire Ready facilitator?

  • East Denmark - Karen Burford
  • Mount Lindesay - Murray Brooker
  • Shadforth - Nigel Marsh and John Maxwell
  • Ocean Beach - Karen Cussons
  • Somerset Hill - Jennie Newman
  • Kordabup Owingup - Jennie Newman
  • Nornalup - Gail Guthrie

Where to begin a Bushfire Emergency Plan

  • Contact a Bushfire Ready facilitator near you for more information. They have resources they can give you to help write a Bushfire Emergency Plan
  • Download the 'My Bushfire Plan' app to your smart phone
  • Use DFES resources to help you prepare your plan
  • Sit down with pen and paper and write a clear Bushfire Emergency Plan

Essential information in case of bushfire

  • Call 000 if you see smoke or flames
  • Call 000 if you are worried about someone's safety
  • Emergency broadcasts are aired to ABC radio at regular intervals. Tune in online or set your radio to 630AM
  • Monitor conditions. Useful websites include

Read the Latest News about Bushfire Ready in Denmark

Press Release 12 April 2022

An informal meeting for community members interested in learning more about bushfire preparedness will be held in the Shire of Denmark Reception Room on Monday 2 May.

The meeting is for everyone who would like to know more about Bushfire Ready and how to prepare for, and keep safe during a bushfire.

Started locally in 2018, Bushfire Ready is a community driven program that seeks to create a safer community for those living in a high bushfire risk area.

Bushfire Ready Denmark lead facilitator Murray Brooker will be on hand to talk about what community members can learn from the recent bushfire.

“Bushfire Ready Groups are a great way for community members to look out for each other,” Mr Brooker said.

“This meeting will cover simple, practical ways to be better prepared for the next emergency.”

“I’d really encourage anyone to come along and hear what Bushfire Ready is all about.”

A light supper will be supplied and attendees are invited to stay and chat with local members of Bushfire Ready Groups.

Representatives from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services will also be at the meeting with bushfire preparedness information packs for people to take home.

A Bushfire Ready Group is a local community action group aimed at encouraging local residents to work together to prepare and protect their families and properties against bushfires as best they can. Bushfire Ready Groups provide an opportunity for neighbours to network, share ideas and information and to develop and implement strategies which can reduce their bushfire risk.

In a bushfire, a fire truck may not be available to protect every home. This means residents and homeowners need to be responsible for their own safety.

Bushfire Ready is a community-driven program supported by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and the Shire of Denmark to increase the resilience to bushfire risk in our community.

Bushfire Ready Groups started in Denmark in 2018 and are already operating in a number of areas.

Why join a local Bushfire Ready Group?

Who is my local Bushfire Ready facilitator?

  • East Denmark - Karen Burford
  • Mount Lindesay - Murray Brooker
  • Shadforth - Nigel Marsh and John Maxwell
  • Ocean Beach - Karen Cussons
  • Somerset Hill - Jennie Newman
  • Kordabup Owingup - Jennie Newman
  • Nornalup - Gail Guthrie

Where to begin a Bushfire Emergency Plan

  • Contact a Bushfire Ready facilitator near you for more information. They have resources they can give you to help write a Bushfire Emergency Plan
  • Download the 'My Bushfire Plan' app to your smart phone
  • Use DFES resources to help you prepare your plan
  • Sit down with pen and paper and write a clear Bushfire Emergency Plan

Essential information in case of bushfire

  • Call 000 if you see smoke or flames
  • Call 000 if you are worried about someone's safety
  • Emergency broadcasts are aired to ABC radio at regular intervals. Tune in online or set your radio to 630AM
  • Monitor conditions. Useful websites include

Read the Latest News about Bushfire Ready in Denmark

Press Release 12 April 2022

An informal meeting for community members interested in learning more about bushfire preparedness will be held in the Shire of Denmark Reception Room on Monday 2 May.

The meeting is for everyone who would like to know more about Bushfire Ready and how to prepare for, and keep safe during a bushfire.

Started locally in 2018, Bushfire Ready is a community driven program that seeks to create a safer community for those living in a high bushfire risk area.

Bushfire Ready Denmark lead facilitator Murray Brooker will be on hand to talk about what community members can learn from the recent bushfire.

“Bushfire Ready Groups are a great way for community members to look out for each other,” Mr Brooker said.

“This meeting will cover simple, practical ways to be better prepared for the next emergency.”

“I’d really encourage anyone to come along and hear what Bushfire Ready is all about.”

A light supper will be supplied and attendees are invited to stay and chat with local members of Bushfire Ready Groups.

Representatives from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services will also be at the meeting with bushfire preparedness information packs for people to take home.

  • Common Bushfire Myths

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    Myth: Firefighters and Emergency Services will come and tell me when I need to leave.

    Fact: To survive a bushfire, you must take responsibility for yourself and be prepared to make your own decisions. Do not 'wait and see', do not expect a knock at your door.

    Myth: "I'll be fine, the bush is a few streets away."

    Fact: Most houses are burnt in bushfires because of ember attacks. Embers can cause fires many kilometres in front of the main fire and can start falling up to an hour before the fire arrives at your home. You need to make sure that your home is properly prepared to withstand ember attack.

    Myth: The Fire Danger Rating is the likelihood of a fire starting on any given day.

    Fact: The higher the Fire Danger Rating, the more dangerous the situation would be if a fire started. If a fire starts on a severe, extreme or catastrophic day, the fire will be unpredictable, almost impossible to control or contain. Find out more about Fire Danger Ratings here.

    Myth: The safest place to shelter in a house from a bushfire is a bathroom.

    Fact: The bathroom is not the best location to shelter from fire. The room you choose to shelter in should be on the ground floor with two exits (one that goes out to a gravel or concrete area), preferably where you can see the fire front approach.

    Myth: You don't need to evacuate from your home until an emergency warning.

    Fact: By this time, it may be too late. Smoke reduces visibility, you may not know the safest route to leave and your route could be blocked. The safest option is to leave early.

    Myth: I pay an Emergency Services levy in my rates, so Emergency Services will be available to defend my property.

    Fact: There are not enough fire trucks and personnel for every house. Firefighters will do their very best to defend all properties which need defending, but they must make strategic decisions for the greater benefit. Preparing yourself, your family and your property for bushfire is your responsibility. Now is the time to prepare.

    Myth: "We'll have plenty of time to pack up and go."

    Fact: Bushfire can start suddenly and without warning. Now is the time to have a discussion about fire with your family, visitors and housemates about what you will do if a bushfire occurs. Have an Emergency Kit ready to go in case you are evacuated or cut off during a bushfire.

    Myth: "I'll leave when I receive a text message or phone call."

    Fact: A telephone warning might be sent to your mobile or landline in extreme circumstances. But this cannot be guaranteed and should not be relied upon for your safety. No warning system is foolproof - do not wait to be contacted by mobile or landline.

Page last updated: 19 May 2022, 03:01 PM