WA BAL Report are committed to preventing loss of property and life from bushfires. This means conducting bushfire attack level assessment reports for those living in bushfire-prone areas. However, if you live in a bushfire-prone area, it is likely you will be required to do more to prepare yourself for a bushfire.
Controlled, prescribed or planned burning is the process of planning and applying fire to a predetermined area, under specific environmental conditions, to achieve a desired outcome. Prescribed burns are carefully planned, implemented and monitored and take place during spring and autumn when conditions are cooler, vegetation and fuel moisture levels are higher and weather conditions are more stable.
The Department of Parks and Wildlife use prescribed burning on land that it manages for a variety of purposes, including to mitigate the severity of bushfires by reducing the build-up of flammable fuel loads. Fire behaviour is affected by the amount of available fuel, including trees, bush and twigs.
You can also conduct controlled burning on your property provided you have a permit during the ‘Restricted Burning Period’. Whether or not you have a permit, it is illegal to burn off on days of Very High, Severe, Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger of when a Total Fire Ban is in place. Where you have the authority to conduct a burn on your own property, you should take the following steps:
- Always comply with permit conditions and seek advice from the local government
- Plough or have a firebreak around the area to be burnt and have sufficient and appropriate firefighting equipment on hand
- Have a clear written plan of where you intend to burn and the results you want to achieve
- Advise your neighbours of any possible smoke hazards, and ensure that smoke from the burn does not pose a nuisance to your neighbours or others
- Use strip burning with spot ignition if possible, but take great care by keeping the burn area small and always under control
- Have enough people nearby to keep the fire under constant control
- Adhere to mop-up standards by ensuring that the fire is not left unattended until completely extinguished
- Consult with your local fire brigade to ensure they are aware of your activities
For more information
WA BAL Report are experts at conducting Bushfire Attack Level Assessments, Bushfire Attack Level Reports and bushfire prevention strategies in general in Perth and Western Australia. For more information, contact our friendly staff on 08 6114 9356 or at admin@wabalreport.com.au.
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