Published on Wednesday, 1 March 2023 at 8:54:41 AM
MUCHEA, 1 MARCH 2023 - The recent bushfire that erupted in Muchea has been successfully contained by the heroic efforts of local firefighters. Despite putting several homes in danger, the fire has now been downgraded to a lower level of threat.
The fire started on a private property on 25 February 2023 and quickly spread due to dry conditions. However, the prompt response of local fire crews prevented it from spreading further and causing even more damage. Thanks to the swift action of firefighters, no injuries were reported. The cause of fire is still under investigation.
"We are immensely grateful to the firefighters who worked tirelessly to contain the Muchea bushfire," said Aaron King, President, Shire of Chittering. "Their bravery and dedication have prevented what could have been a devastating disaster. The fire bombers did an excellent job. We also acknowledge the efforts made by local community members who assisted with their private units as well as those who helped move animals out of the area".
In preparing the Shire for fire-season, the Shire of Chittering has conducted fire mitigation activities in line with the Bushfire Risk Management Plan to prevent bushfires from starting and to minimise their impact. These activities include:
- Hazard reduction burning and related activities under the Mitigation Activity Funding. During the 2021-2022 Mitigation Activity Fund Grants Program, the Shire of Chittering spent $480,000 with works on firebreaks, chemical treatment, burning treatment and mechanical treatment. The properties chosen for these treatments are strategically chosen as areas of high risk.
- Firebreaks inspections on private properties and compliancewith the Shire of Chittering Firebreak & Bushfire Hazard Reduction Notice. To date the Shire has inspected 2,000 private properties, again focusing on key high-risk areas.
- The Shire’s Fire Brigades conduct regular hazard reduction burning during the Restricted and Unrestricted Burning Times on private property.
- The Shire of Chittering and its brigades conduct education and awareness campaigns to inform residents and visitors about fire safety, including the importance of clearing vegetation around homes, creating an emergency evacuation plan, and adhering to fire bans and restrictions.
"Fire mitigation is an important part of our efforts to protect the community," said Melinda Prinsloo, Chief Executive Officer, of the Shire of Chittering. "Two of the properties effected by the fire were recently made compliant as part of our firebreak inspections. We are pleased that the Shire’s efforts with bushfire compliance have been able to assist with saving these two homes during this incident. We will continue to work closely with our local fire services and community to reduce the risk of bushfires in Chittering."
Local residents are reminded to remain vigilant and follow all fire safety guidelines, particularly during the dry summer months. It is a responsibility of rural landowners in the Shire to ensure they are taking precautions such as clearing vegetation around homes and ensuring that their firebreaks are mineral bare earth. By following the Firebreak & Bushfire Hazard Reduction notice, residents can help prevent bushfires from starting and spreading.
For more information on fire safety and bushfire prevention, please visit www.chittering.wa.gov.au
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