Early call for prohibited burning season as firefighters eye deadly conditions

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River has decreed bushfire season is now, pulling the trigger on the official Prohibited Burning Period one week early.

The declaration was made at the weekend amid concerns about worsening bushfire conditions – especially high winds, which have raked the region during the past fortnight.

Volunteer firefighters had noted a rash of minor grass fires caused serious concerns about what might happen if a blaze took off.

It follows concerns by leading firefighters about high fuel loads across the region, especially at the coast affected by the 2011 bushfires.

Shire community emergency services manager Adam Jasper confirmed the early call.

“With the seasonal conditions making the environment very dry and little or no rain forecast for the foreseeable future, we decided to start the prohibited burning period a week early,” he told the Times.

“It’s vital that residents and tourists do the right thing.

“We’re asking everyone to stay prepared, stay informed and remember no fires in open air, anytime, anywhere in the shire – and if you see smoke or fire, call 000.”

The Prohibited Burning Period was now in effect until at least March 14.

The status meant all outdoor fires including pizza ovens were banned, rural vehicle movements were restricted, and permits to burn wouldn’t be authorised.

Mr Jasper said the early decision came because of low rainfall forecasts, and dry and windy conditions. He urged the community to be vigilant and have a bushfire plan.