Fire prevention and preparedness
Prevention
The Shire is responsible for the administration of the Bush Fires Act (1954) and as with other districts of the State, uses provisions of the Bush Fires Act to help prevent or reduce the impact bush fires. These include the Fire-Break Notice which stipulates minimum requirements for which a property must be maintained during the fire season and the restricted and prohibited burning periods which places restrictions or prohibition on burning.
The Shire may also enact a Harvest, Vehicle Movement and Hot Works Ban to help prevent the ignition of a fire during unfavourable fire conditions.
Prevention is a shared responsibility. Simple items like servicing and cleaning of machinery or cleared areas around stationary motors can help to prevent fires.
Keeping your property clean and well maintained can reduce the damage caused by flying debris and water damage in storms.
Operating plant and machinery has additional requirements under the Bush Fires Act 1954 during the Restricted and Prohibited Burning Periods. Visit our Plant and Machinery Requirements page for more information.
Be prepared
Residents are responsible for their own safety and must be prepared for any emergency situation. This includes having a plan for your and your family in an emergency and how and where to access alerts and warnings. Information to assist you with preparing your property and family for bushfires and other emergencies is available from the Shire administration or by visiting the Department Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) website for advice, information and alert.
Preparing your property prior to an emergency is essential should you not be able to leave – don’t leave it too late.
Response
Five Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades, a Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Brigade, Police, St John Ambulance and State Emergency Service operate in the Shire of Toodyay and respond to emergency incidents. The Shire of Toodyay’s Ranger and Emergency Services and Fire Control Officers facilitate the coordination of responses to bushfire emergency incidents and support partner agencies/services in other incidents.
Local Volunteer Emergency Services Brigades and Units are always interested in gaining the support of the community and welcome new volunteers in a range of roles. To find out how you can become involved, please view the Services Contacts.
Recovery
It is important that the community recovers from major traumatic events such as bushfire and the Shire will ensure that infrastructure is restored by supporting individuals and groups in a range of recovery programs and services.
DFES Guides