STONEVILLE Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade (VBFB) celebrated the official opening of its new, purpose-built station last week.

The $1.2 million facility, made possible by $900,000 from the Australian Government and $300,000 from Shire of Mundaring, will significantly enhance the brigade’s ability to serve the community.

The new station boasts modern features, including female changerooms and expanded capacity for firefighting apparatus and equipment, ensuring the brigade can grow its volunteer numbers and better serve the region.

Shire of Mundaring President Paige McNeil acknowledged the vital role volunteers play in bushfire management.

“Our volunteers are our first line of defence in confronting the fury of bushfires. It is our duty to support and equip our first responders with the resources they need to do the job they trained to do in keeping our community safe,” she said.

“Council’s decision to dedicate federal and local funds to build the station was the right choice. The new station represents a significant enhancement to our bushfire response capabilities. It is equipped and designed to support our brigade with improved facilities for training and operations.

“This new station marks an essential step forward in bolstering local firefighting capabilities and ensuring the safety of the community. Shire of Mundaring remains committed to ensuring all ten of its brigades have fit-for-purpose facilities to protect the community, particularly in bushfire-prone areas.”

The opening of the new station was attended by Shire President Paige McNeil and guests including Member for Hasluck Tania Lawrence MP, Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) assistant Commissioner Danny Mosconi and Metropolitan north-east superintendent David Gill in addition to the presidents, captains and valued volunteers of both Stoneville and other local bushfire brigades.

Also, AFAC, the National Council for fire and emergency services, has released the seasonal bushfire outlook for spring showing areas of WA having above average mean temperatures so far this year.

August saw widespread above average temperatures and was the warmest August on record.

For spring, there continues to be an increased likelihood of unusually high maximum temperatures across most of Australia, while large parts of WA have an increased chance of below average rainfall.

Large parts of WA received rainfall in the lowest 10 per cent on record for the first half of the year, however August saw above average to well above average rainfall in the southwest, easing dry conditions in the region.

While Western Australia shows normal risk of fire during this outlook period, communities are encouraged to be vigilant and stay alert through winter months. Destructive and deadly fires can still occur during normal bushfire seasons across Australia.

AFAC chief executive officer Rob Webb urged communities to prepare and adhere to advice of local fire authorities this spring.

“Fire and emergency services are prepared for the fire season ahead and are here today to encourage communities to do the same,” Mr Webb said.

“Now is the time to make a plan. Understand your local risk, know where you will get your information, and talk to your family about what you will do.”