THE Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade will use state government grant funding to improve communications and safety for firefighters on the fireground.

The brigade is among 43 across WA to receive funding through Western Power’s bushfire volunteers grants program supporting volunteer crews with equipment and training.

The brigade will use the funding to purchase a Cel-fi unit, a mobile network booster designed to improve access to mobile phone and data coverage in areas with weak or no signal.

Darlington Volunteer Bushfire Brigade publicity officer Ricky Harvey said the upgrade would significantly improve operations and safety.

“The Western Power grant money is a huge boost for our volunteers’ safety and operational capability,” he said.

“The Cel-fi unit gives us better access to mobile signals for communications, especially when crews are at risk or quick access to information is required, and we can work more effectively on the fireground.”

Mr Harvey said improved coverage would also support the increasing use of technology during incidents.

“We are using more and more technology at fires, and better access to mobile data improves our use of mapping, hazard locations, vehicle tracking, and fire behaviour, all in real time,” he said.

The Darlington brigade has about 90 members, including around 55 operational firefighters and 10 trainees.

Stoneville Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade is also among those to receive funding through the program, including Muchea Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade in Chittering, and Malebelling and Talbot Brook Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades in York.

Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia said volunteer bushfire brigades played a critical role in protecting communities.

“Our volunteer bushfire brigades are at the heart of community safety across Western Australia,” he said.