Published on Monday, 13 October 2025 at 1:53:49 PM
Local volunteer bushfire brigades joined forces last week to sharpen their skills and solidify their collaborative approach in preparation of the looming bushfire season. With the City’s annual Bushfire Risk Reduction Notice now issued, brigade members are calling on all residents to also act — prepare your property, make a plan and be bushfire ready.
Hosted by the Metricup Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, the essential training day brought together approximately 45 brigade volunteers from Metricup, Kaloorup, Willyabrup and Yallingup. The training provided high-pressure, realistic scenarios, addressed complex situations designed to test both strategy and teamwork, while providing a valuable opportunity to test equipment and logistics.
Whether you live in a rural or residential area, every owner and occupier have a responsibility to reduce the risk of fire. Preparing ahead of the bushfire season by reducing leaf matter, cleaning gutters, slashing or mowing grasses and weeds, and keeping flammable material at least 5m from a habitable building applies to all properties. Depending on the size of your property and how far a habitable building is from the road, you may also be required to establish and maintain a managed fuel zone, provide a driveway/accessway and turnaround area that will support a fire truck and in some instances, be required to install and maintain a 3m wide firebreak as close as practicable within 100m of your property boundaries.
Mayor Phill Cronin said: “As one of the volunteer members involved in last week’s exercise, it is a reminder that we are all responsible for being bushfire ready. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated and highly skilled volunteer bushfire service. Their unwavering commitment to training, preparedness and community safety each season is truly commendable. I cannot thank them enough for the countless hours they devote to responding to incidents across our region.”
“Earlier this year, the Marri Reserve Dunsborough fire was a stark reminder of how simple steps to maintain your property can prevent serious damage and assist emergency service crews to contain a fire, while protecting lives and property. The only damage to property caused in this incident was through leaf debris in gutters.”
“With over 90% of WA classed as bushfire prone, I implore the community to be prepared and create a bushfire plan, which can take as little as 15 minutes to create and as experienced in the Dunsborough fire, is the best way to keep you and your household safe. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services have a Bushfire Plan App ensuring you can access it at any time, even without the internet.”
The City of Busselton’s restricted burning period commences 15 October 2025 and will be in place until 30 November 2025, which is subject to change depending on weather conditions. A permit to burn is required during this period and can be obtained from the Fire Control Officer of your area.
City officers will commence inspecting properties for compliance from 15 November 2025. Information regarding the City’s Bushfire Risk Reduction Notice, including key dates for maintaining your property, can be found on the City’s website.
Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with the City of Busselton’s Council Plan (2024 - 2034) Key Theme Lifestyle – Our community is safe, welcoming and inclusive, with access to services and facilities to support good health and wellbeing.
Photo for general use: Volunteer Bushfire Brigades’ pre-season training.
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to pr@busselton.wa.gov.au
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