THE Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) is urging the community to safely undertake planned burns now, while conditions are mild, ahead of a potentially challenging bushfire season.

Earlier this week a burn-off demonstration was held at a Kalamunda property owned by Mark Jackson, a Kalamunda Bush Fire volunteer, and his wife Carol, where they talked about the measures they have in place to protect their home from bushfire.

As a volunteer firefighter Mr Jackson has seen first-hand how quickly fire can threaten life and homes.

“It is essential to get the fuel load around your house clear to the point where things are not going to go so fast that you can’t manage them,” Mr Jackson said.

Mrs Jackson said it was important to protect your property.

“It’s an all the year round job, gutters have to be clear, firebreaks have to be clear, and this time of year you have to burn responsibly,” she said.

Also in attendance was DFES Bushfire Centre of Excellence chief superintendent John Tillman who discussed the importance of preparing properties and Burn SMART resources available to help people safely manage their burns.

“What we want people to understand is that they should be managing the fuel on their properties, particulary in the cooler time of the year,” Mr Tillman said.

A DFES spokesperson said the window for planned burning could close early this year due to warmer-than-usual conditions, and community members are being urged to conduct planned burning and mitigation ahead of what looms as another challenging bushfire season.

Last season was longer and more intense than recent years with volunteer and career firefighters responding to 5088 bushfires between October 2023 and May 2024 - 1000 more than the same period the previous season.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast warmer than usual temperatures throughout most of Western Australia during spring.  Coupled with an already dry landscape across southern WA, this means bushfires that start ahead of summer have the potential to escalate quickly.

Planned burns on private property can significantly reduce fuel loads and the potential for major damage during bushfire season but it is crucial they are conducted safely so they do not escalate and damage the environment or put life and property at risk.

Burn SMART resources, available on the DFES website and YouTube channel, help simplify the process of developing a burn plan for  properties.

The resources also explain what fuel and weather conditions mean and outline the local requirements.

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM said the free Burn SMART resources included a planned-burn guide and checklist to help landowners prepare.

“Bushfires are inevitable in Western Australia, but planned burns can substantially reduce the intensity and speed. A well-planned burn could save your home, it’s that simple,” he said.

“It is crucial that everyone plays their part to reduce bushfire risk and prepares their property, especially as the frequency and severity of these incidents increase.

“Western Australians are also encouraged to register their planned burns with DFES to reduce the number of false alarm triple zero calls made to emergency services.

“If you light a fire to burn-off you own it. Registering a planned burn is important and may avoid an unnecessary emergency response from career and volunteer firefighters.”

When planning a burn, property owners need to assess weather conditions and obtain advice from their local government about possible burning restrictions.

To view and download Burn SMART resources visit this website.