BUSHFIRE OVERVIEW

Bushfires are unpredictable and happen every year. The single biggest killer is indecision. To survive a bushfire you must be prepared to make your own decisions.

How fireproof is your plan?

Dangerous bushfires can start at any time. It’s important to understand your risks and plan what you’ll do to keep safe when a bushfire threatens your home and family.

One of the most critical and valuable things you can do is to make a bushfire plan. Take 5 minutes now to discuss these simple questions:

  • When will you leave?

  • What will you take?

  • Where will you go?

Start your plan now

Know your risk

If you think you and your family are not at risk of bushfire, you should think again.

Over 90% of WA is bushfire prone.

Bushfires can happen anywhere and at any time, so it's important to know and understand the risks that affect you.

Is your property in a bushfire prone area? Find out for yourself with the Bushfire Prone Map.

View bushfire prone areas map

Changes to bushfire warnings

Western Australia is joining with other states and territories to deliver nationally consistent emergency information through the Australian Warning System (AWS). The AWS is an easy-to-understand warning system to help you stay safe during an emergency, no matter where in the country you are. New bushfire warning colours are now on Emergency WA, and over time you'll see more changes to emergency information as we achieve national consistency.

Environments at risk

To better understand your risk, consider the following risk factors and if they apply to you:

If you live with any of these high-risk factors, you’ll need to prepare your home, property and family in case of a bushfire. It is important that you and your family decide and agree on what you will do if a bushfire threatens your home. Take 5 minutes now to start your bushfire plan with your household and neighbours.

When is bushfire season?

Bushfires can happen all year round. But during the hottest and driest times of the year, bushfire risk is at its highest.

On hot, dry and windy days, there’s a much higher chance of a bushfire starting and getting out of control. If you’re travelling on these days:

  • Visit safer places such as cities and towns.
  • Be prepared to change your travel plans at short notice if a fire starts.
  • Make sure someone outside your travel group knows your plans, destinations and expected times.

Travelling during Bushfire Season

If you plan to travel in bushfire season it’s essential you know what to do if you encounter a bushfire. Every year, people are killed or seriously injured by bushfires. If you’re travelling or staying near bushland, fire is a real risk for you. Follow our tips below to stay safe when travelling this bushfire season.

What to pack in your bushfire emergency kit
Total Fire Bans
Travelling with a caravan
Stay up to date
Fire Danger Ratings
Encountering a bushfire while driving
Staying overnight

Campfire safety

An open campfire is part of camping. But campfires can easily cause a bushfire if you do not build or extinguish them correctly. Follow our simple tips below to stay safe when you’re camping.

Before you light a fire
Looking after your campfire
Basic campfire safety
Building a safe campfire
Putting your campfire out

Cigarette butts

Carelessly discarded cigarette butts are a frequent cause of fires.

Over seven billion cigarette butts are discarded across Australia every year and are the most frequently recorded type of litter in Western Australia.

Careless disposal of a cigarette butt can also be very costly, attracting a fine of up to $500 for an individual.

Make sure your butt is fully extinguished before disposing of it and never throw it from a car.

If you see someone carelessly dispose of a cigarette you can report the offence to Keep Australia Beautiful WA at www.kabc.wa.gov.au or phone 1300 766 541.

Cigarette butt littering fines have increased from $75 to $200 for individuals and $500 for corporations (businesses). The fine for lit cigarettes is higher, $500 for individuals and $2,000 for corporations. During a Total Fire Ban the fine is severe - $25,000 and/or 12 months in jail.

More Information

Bushfire publications

View and download bushfire manuals, guides and publications.

Learn more

Prepare for a bushfire

Having a bushfire plan in place will help you make better decisions.

Learn more

During a bushfire

If a bushfire has started, then you need to monitor official warnings.

Learn more

Recovering from a bushfire

In the wake of a bushfire, it can be incredibly daunting to return home.

Learn more

Bushfire Centre of Excellence

An education hub where bushfire management personnel can come together for training and learning.

Learn more

Bushfire prone areas

Find out if your property is located in a bushfire prone area and view the planning requirements.

Learn more

Total fire ban

A Total Fire Ban is declared when a fire is likely to spread rapidly.

Learn more

Planned burning

The process of planning and applying fire to a predetermined area.

Learn more

Rural and farm fire

Bushfire risk when you live in a rural or farming area.

Learn more

Support for at risk communities

Ensure the safety of direct care workers, staff, and in-home clients.

Learn more