Dr Graham Jacobs MLA, Member for Eyre

DR GRAHAM JACOBS MLAMember for Eyre
HomePrepare. Act. Survive.booklet by FESA WAPrepare for thebushfire season...Preparing Your PropertyChecklistWA is facing one of its worst bushfire seasons in history after the State recorded one of its driest winters. The seasonal conditions are worse than last year and the bushfire season is already ahead by six weeks.Last year we faced one of the most damaging bushfires in the Stateâ€™s history at Toodyay and since then, our emergency services have been carefully reviewing their procedures and systems.Like last season, we will again have two Type 1 water bombers, with one being based in Busselton. In addition, the aerial fleet, which also includes the Helitacs, did a remarkable job last season in responding to nearly 180 incidents and protecting property worth a staggering $70million. FESA is already planning to activate the fleet earlier than last year with aircraft ready to respond.One of the biggest areas of concern is the Stateâ€™s South West. The area is highly populated and has dense vegetation which combined with the soil dryness and warm conditions, make the region a virtual tinderbox.In preparation, FESA has recently split the South West Region, creating a new Lower South West region which has allowed more staff and resources to be focused into the area.All homeowners in bushfire prone areas should visit the FESA website (www.fesa.wa.gov.au) to check they have done everything they can to prepare for the bushfire season, including ensuring they have adequate and up-to-date insurance to cover the value of their property.Page 0Page 1Page 2