Dry, hot conditions spark warning

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a Severe Fire Danger rating for the South West today, including the western part of the Shire of Waroona.

DFES has warned the hot, dry and windy conditions could fuel a bush or grass fire, which would be unpredictable and fast-moving.

Residents living in or near bush, high fuel loads or a forested area are being reminded to finalise their bushfire survival plan if a fire breaks out.

“We are reminding people to have their five-minute fire chat and make sure their plan is clear,” a DFES spokeswoman said.

“If you are not prepared to the highest level, leaving bushfire risk areas early in the day is your safest option.”

The spokeswoman said actively-defended homes (prepared to the highest level and constructed to bushfire protection) may provide safety, but warned people to be prepared.

“You must be physically and mentally prepared to defend in these conditions,” she said.

The severe fire warning has also been issued for the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale, the western parts of Gingin, Murray and Swan shires, and the south-western part of the Shire of Chittering.