Fire Control
Bush Fire Response Plan Information
Bush Fire Response Plan Information
Bush Fire Danger
The Bureau of Meteorology issues 'Bush Fire Danger' ratings from November - April. The current fire danger rating can be found on their website. York falls under the Avon District.
Fire Danger Rating for Shire of York
Fire Control Information
During the fire season the Community Emergency Services Manager (CESM) takes on the co-ordination of approximately 200 members of the Shire’s Bush Fire Brigades.
Putting Safety First in Bushfire Season
Important Fire Dates
Firebreaks - last day - 25 October each year. Maintain until 14 April each year.
Burning Permits Required
All Areas - 15 October - 14 November
All Areas - 15 February - 14 April
Prohibited Burning Periods
All Areas – 15 November – 14 February
DON’T LET YOUR FIRE BECOME THE GREAT ESCAPE!
The Community Emergency Services Manager along with the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer for the Shire of York would like to remind everyone to take all care when deciding to conduct any form of burning and to be well prepared to prevent the fire escaping your control.
It is always the responsibility of the person who conducts a burn to ensure that the fire does not escape their control and penalties and sanctions including fines and/or the recovery of the costs associated with local Bush Fire Brigade response can apply where a fire escapes and impacts others.
The following is a list of factors to consider when conducting burning…
What are the current weather conditions particularly relating to wind strength and direction? (no burning if the wind is likely to exceed 20kmh) Can you postpone your burn to a better day?
What are the forecast wind conditions for the following days?
Do you have sufficient resources available to prevent an escape of your fire?
If you live in town have you made sure that you have a hose or hoses that can easily reach the site of your fire and beyond? Have you checked that the water is turned on and ready immediately if required?
Have you cleared a bare mineral earth break around the area to be burnt? Do you have rakes and shovels immediately available to use?
Are you dressed appropriately with long pants and long sleeved cotton clothing, sturdy boots and leather gloves?
Have you ensured that your fire is a sufficient distance from trees, shrubs or anything else you don’t wish to burn? Remember flames heights can be considerably higher than your rubbish pile and radiant heat can set fire to surrounding items. Maintain a minimum of 5 metres clear for small garden fires. Wet down surrounding areas.
If you are outside of town do you have an adequate number of fire fighter units to control the burn? Have pumps, motors and hoses been checked to ensure immediate operation and water supply when required? Has a bare mineral earth firebreak been installed around the paddocks you wish to burn as per the Shire’s Firebreak Order?
Do you have a sufficient number of people organised to monitor the fire and maintain supervision until it is fully extinguished?
Remember to be vigilant to ensure the safety and protection of the whole community.
“Fire is a wonderful servant but a terrible master!”