Be Bushfire Ready
Grass and bushfires can happen at any time of the year in the Pilbara but the risk is higher during the summer months.
You don't have to live right near the bush to be at risk. Even if your home is a few streets back, you may be at risk.
Check if you live on Bush Fire Prone Land.
Think about the area you live in
Fire Breaks
All firebreaks and fire prevention measures must be completed by October 31 each year and maintained all year round.
Click here for a printable copy of the brochure below.
I live close to grassland
- What to expect:
- Grass fires can start and spread easily and quickly, not only destroying homes but also property and livelihoods
- Grass fires are very hot and can produce huge amounts of heat
- As grass dries out or cures, it can catch fire more easily
- Fires in tall grass will have tall flames that may burn across trails, roads or fire breaks
- Grass fires can move much faster than a bush fire, often catching people off guard
I live in an area where the bush or grasslands meet built-up areas
- What to expect:
- Fires can spread quickly from parks and reserves, threatening your home, fences or gardens
- Thick smoke from the fire might make it difficult to see or breathe
- Burning embers can travel through the air, setting fire to properties a significant distance away from the burn
Fire behaviour
There are a number of things which can affect the way a fire burns, including:
- Slope – a fire travelling uphill will travel faster becoming more intense and more dangerous.
- Vegetation – smaller items such as twigs, branches and leaves are known as 'fine fuels'. These can burn very easily. Burning bark, twigs and leaves can also be blown in the wind.
- Weather – when it's hot, dry and windy, fires can be more intense and unpredictable. Strong winds can send a fire in different directions and cause burning embers to be blown through the air.
Know your risk and be prepared
DFES publish useful information that can assist you in learning about the risks you face and the different types of warnings.
Download their Bushfire Information Guide for more information
Make a plan and talk about it
Know your limitations and plan accordingly. Visit the DFES Website for more information on how you can make a bushfire survival plan for you and your family
Make preparations to your home.
Preparing your home can reduce the risk of embers starting spot fires around your home. Download the Bushfire Home Owners Survival Manual published by DFES for more information
Stay Informed
During hire fire danger periods, ensure that you stay informed on the current conditions. Our warning and alerts page is updated when new information is received and ABC Radio will broadcast live up to date information around the clock. Live updates are also provided online at the Emergency WA website and the Hedland Bushfire Brigade has a Facebook with very handy updates and information about fires in the region
Submit an application for a permit to burn online