Fire Protection Private Property

that fire control is their responsibility and should be taken seriously.

Shire of Manjimup's Coordinator of Ranger and Emergency Services, Todd Ridley said, "Whilst to date we have been fortunate at a local level this fire season, the Shire of Manjimup's Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades and staff have been requested to assist with fire outbreaks outside of the Shire of Manjimup".

Several Bush Fire Crews and Shire of Manjimup staff joined neighbouring Shires, in both Margaret River and Nannup to help control serious bush fires.  In both incidents the fire behaviour hampered fire suppression effectiveness, highlighting that weather conditions and heavy fuel litter levels in the local area make it very difficult to suppress fires, hampered further if land owners don't abide by and implement the requirements of Firebreak and Fuel Hazard Reduction Notices.

Shire President, Wade DeCampo stressed, "It is very important that land owners read, understand and familiarise themselves with the Shire of Manjimup's Firebreak and Fuel Hazard Reduction Notice".  Land owners are required to reduce the risk of wildfire on their property thereby giving their Local Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades the safest method and best possible protection outcome to life and property.  Cr DeCampo said, "That if land owners require guidance or have any questions reqarding the notice they should contact the Rangers Department at the Shire of Manjimup".

Many brigades within the Shire of Manjimup are short on volunteers.  Rural land owners are urged to enlist as either active or ancillary members of their local bush fire brigades.  Mr Ridley noted the "Not all the jobs are on the end of the hose, volunteer brigades require people for radio communications, control point manning, truck driving and various secretarial duties".

FESA and the Bush Fire Network have a range of training courses for volunteers from basic fire fighting through to Fire Control Officers, Prescribed Burning and Water Bomber Ground Conroller courses.  People considering becoming a brigade member in any capacity can contact their local Bush Fire Briagde or the Shire of Manjimup.

Authorised by Gail Ipsen Cutts,
Acting Chief Executive Officer,

Contact for comment:  Wade DeCampo Shire President - 0427 094 081