PRISONERS from Wooroloo Prison Farm are helping authorities reduce bushfire risk on hundreds of bush blocks in the Perth Hills, in preparation for the summer bushfire season.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) manages about 400 parcels of fire prone land in the Shire of Mundaring alone.

DFES has collaborated with the correctional facility to allow prisoners to remove what’s known as ladder fuels – woody weeds and undergrowth – to reduce fire fuels and the impact of bushfires.

The teams consist of minimum-security prisoners, who have been screened and approved for community work under supervision.

Vocational Support Officer (VSO) Garry said the prisoners take the fire mitigation job very seriously.

“It’s hard work, but the men take pride in their effort, knowing it’s going to help lessen the fire risk for residents.”

When the site is small, about half a hectare, mechanical fuel reduction is preferred over planned burning.

The prisoners are also taught how to work with tools like chainsaws, pole saws and woodchippers, and receive training in the safe use of chemicals like herbicides.

“This training is all delivered to a national unit of competency. It qualifies them to work in a range of jobs when they’re released from prison,” VSO Garry said.

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm praised the partnership between the Department of Justice and DFES to support a vital community service like bushfire mitigation.

“Reducing fire fuels is particularly important around high-risk bushfire areas in the Perth Hills to help reduce the chance of intense, out of control fires that can threaten lives and homes,” he said.

“At DFES we are driven to build a safer state. This program fits the bill and also allows us to help the Department of Justice build new skills in prisoners.”

The vegetation which is collected is chipped and either returned to the bush, or composted to be used as mulch in gardens.