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.

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.

Bushfire warning system

Be prepared

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has a wide range of information available to keep the community informed of bushfire risks.

The Bushfire Preparation Toolkit is an essential guide with information about knowing your fire risk; preparing your property; fire breaks; protective clothing; sheltering in your home and having a fire plan. You can access the toolkit below.