Bushfire restrictions start ahead of potentially deadly summer for Capes region

Fire restrictions start this weekend as authorities urge residents to be mindful of a potentially deadly bushfire season this summer.

An autumn heatwave and native vegetation die-off saw bushfire controls extended further than normal this year, giving the region the shortest-ever reprieve from crucial fire controls.

The restricted burning period starts again from tomorrow, November 9, within the Augusta-Margaret River shire.

Restricted period limits mean permits to burn were mandatory for any fires — including burn piles already lit and not yet thoroughly extinguished.

Shire of Augusta-Margaret River community emergency services manager Adam Jasper said residents needed to educate themselves ahead of the summer peak bushfire season.

“When applying for a permit to burn, you’ll need to advise of the size of your burn, what you’re burning and the address of your burn, as well as the name and contact number of the permit holder,” he said.

“Don’t forget to register your permit to burn with the shire, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services — all their details and phone numbers are on the permit.

“Your adjoining neighbours will need to know too, and all the information around how to formally notify them is on your permit.”

Although campfires and open-fire barbecues were permitted on private property during the restricted burning period, they were outlawed on any day where the official fire danger rating was at “high” or above.

Mr Jasper warned fires were unpredictable and always needed close monitoring.

The details around fire restrictions could also change at short notice, depending on conditions with the local government and DFES social media pages and websites providing up-to-date information, he said.

The same restrictions came into effect in mid-October within the City of Busselton.