Be Bushfire Ready

Movement bans are only declared in the most serious of fire danger weather conditions and they impact every resident and visitor to our Shire.

There’s still a bit of confusion about what you can and can’t do during this type of ban which prohibits all ‘off-road activity’.

• ‘Off-road’ means anywhere that isn’t a proper gravel or sealed road.
• ‘Activity’ means the use of an internal combustion engine.

Here are some examples of what ‘no off-road activity’ means:

• No driving to places like Boat Harbour (4WD tracks are a no-go)
• No lawn mowing (absolutely no use of any internal combustion engine on any surface other than a proper road)
• No parking on our grassed area here at the Shire of Denmark admin building (park in the visitor carpark if we’re out of space in proper car parks)
• No checking your horses unless you walk into their paddocks.

Basically, you should not do anything that has the potential to start a fire, even if it’s inconvenient or will hinder your work.

All the proper info including definitions and some FAQs are available at www.denmark.wa.gov.au/burn

Remember you’re not automatically listed to receive updates about bans and other important information via our SMS alerts system. If you’re not already subscribed, please consider doing so at www.denmark.wa.gov.au/subscribe. Please also encourage your friends, family and networks to do so too. We don’t send spam, only critical community information.

Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions!

NO you cannot. It does not matter what time of the year if the fire danger rating is HIGH you cannot light a fire.

Some government bodies such as DBCA have exemptions to the law to carry out prescribed burns. Check the www.emergencywa.gov.au website to find out more information.

If you see smoke call 000

Prior to bushfire season you should check and update your insurance policy. Some key points to ask your insurer:

Does my policy cover demolition and removal of rubble? Can be anywhere between $25,000 to $100,000. Add extra if Asbestos is present.

Does my policy cover accommodation should my house be lost? If your house is lost it can take between 3 and 5 years to have it rebuilt. You may also have to meet a higher standard BAL rating adding costs to your rebuild.

Am I covered for smoke damage? Your home may not be lost to the fire but have been engulfed with smoke for days, leading to smoke damage to soft furnishings, carpets, bedding, clothing etc. Some policies do not cover smoke damage.

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.