THE City of Kalamunda says contractors have been called to remove flammable material along the Railway heritage trail after residents raised concerns about bushfire risk.

Kalamunda residents shared pictures of fallen trees and flammable material along the track on December 8, raising concerns they could pose a bushfire risk and act as fuel.

A trail-walking resident who shared the information anonymously said they contacted the City of Kalamunda a couple of years ago but was told the trees were being left as shelter for lizards, which resident Anthea Fellows confirmed was what she was also advised.

When asked by Echo News if the city was aware of resident’s concerns about the stretch of trail between Headingly Road and Gooseberry Hill Road, City of Kalamunda Mayor Margaret Thomas said the city heard the community’s concerns.

“The city is aware of community concerns regarding ongoing bushfire risk throughout Kalamunda,” she said.

“A contractor is currently being engaged to remove dead flammable material and fallen trees along the heritage trail.

“Overall, fuel levels on the trail are not considered excessive due to its narrow, linear layout and the presence of constructed road crossings, which help limit fire spread.

“The city inspects this area annually to assess fire risk and identify any required mitigation works.

“Where hazards are identified, city officers arrange appropriate fire reduction measures as part of the annual fire mitigation program.”

Approximately 90 per cent of the City of Kalamunda is designated as bushfire-prone, with land managed across multiple tenures, including areas under the responsibility of other authorities.

Ms Thomas said the city worked collaboratively with land managers and actively manages about 350ha of bushland through its fire mitigation and fuel management programs.

“Fire mitigation is undertaken with a careful balance between fuel management and the protection of biodiversity values, particularly within environmentally sensitive corridors,” she said.

“The City of Kalamunda encourages residents to report any fire hazards observed on public land so they can be assessed by city officers.

“Regular inspections are conducted, and fire mitigation works are implemented where required, with public safety prioritised alongside environmental and legislative considerations.

“Residents are also reminded to take responsibility for preparing their own properties by maintaining asset protection zones, reducing fuel loads, and having a personal bushfire survival plan in place.”

Information for bushfire planning can be found on the City of Kalamunda and DFES websites.