Water bombers and chopper assigned to Geraldton, on standby during peak harvest season

WA’s aerial firefighting fleet has been activated early amid concerns a scorching September could mean the State will see more bushfires than normal this season. From November 1, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services has assigned two fixed-wing water bombers and an observation helicopter to Geraldton during peak harvest season. The aerial fleet will be situated at the Geraldton fire station for the next few weeks as a precautionary measure due to the elevated risks with harvesters and dry paddocks this season. DFES Mid West-Gascoyne Supt Mark Bowen said the aerial fleet would move with the harvest. “Crops are lower this year, the cones are going to be closer to the ground, there’s an increased chance of them hitting a rock and a spark igniting. DFES has looked at that risk and brought the aircraft up to Geraldton,” he said. “We’re expecting a prolonged bushfire season this year because of the dryness and the lack of any rain forecasted.” In response to the elevated risk, Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said nine aircraft were online and at the ready, with an additional four rotary wing aircraft, including two Black Hawk helicopters, on standby. “The Cook Government is taking every measure to ensure we have the right resources in readiness to keep Western Australians safe this summer,” he said. “We’re calling on the public to listen to the advice of emergency services — make sure you and your family are prepared before a bushfire strikes in your area. “Our data indicates that not enough people have created a bushfire plan, which is inexcusable when you consider that more than 93 per cent of the State is bushfire-prone.” Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm echoed the minister’s warning, urging residents of bushfire-prone areas to undertake fire mitigation work on their properties. “It is non-negotiable to start cutting long grass, trimming trees, and clearing any material around your home that could become fuel for a bushfire,” he said. “Looking at the forecast weather conditions, we’re very concerned that the upcoming bushfire season could be much more severe than WA has experienced in recent years.” “I’m hoping the fact that we are activating our aerial resources early will send the message to all Western Australians that there is an increased risk of an early start to bushfire season, so they need to finalise their own preparations.” The Corrigin bushfire razed about 750ha of bush and cropping land, coming within 3km of the townsite and leading to the evacuation of the Corrigin District Hospital. Mr Dawson urged people to finalise their bushfire preparations now and download the My Bushfire Plan app. “It only takes 15 minutes to create a plan for you and your family that could save your life,” he said. Downloads of the app and further information on bushfire preparation are available from the My Bushfire Plan website.