The penalty for failing to comply with the Firebreak Notice is a fine of up to $400. A person in default is also liable , whether prosecuted or not, to pay the cost of performing the work in this notice, if it is not carried out by the owner or Occupier by the date required by this notice.

What is a Total Fire Ban?

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) is declared by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) on days when fires are most likely to threaten lives and property. This is because of predicted extreme fire weather or when there are already widespread fires and firefighting resources are stretched.

Occasionally TFBs may be declared outside of a fire season (such as in May or June) due to other factors such as higher temperatures and expected strong winds preceding a storm front.

On a Total Fire Ban day, it is illegal to light an open-air fire or conduct any activity that could start a fire.

You can find out more about TFBs, including what you are and are not allowed to do, by visiting the DFES website here.

How do I Know if a TFB is in Place?

• By checking the DFES website
• By phoning the TFB Information line on 1800 709 355
• Tune in to ABC Radio
• Listen to ABC Radio online here
• Check the Shire of Mingenew Facebook Page
• By applying for SMS updates via the Public Communications menu here

What is a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban?

From time to time during the Restricted and Prohibited Burning period the Shire of Mingenew Chief Bush Fire Control Officer may impose a ban on the use or operation of any engine, vehicle, plant, equipment or machinery in the area. This ban is commonly referred to as a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban (HVMB).

A HVMB is imposed to restrict activities that are likely to cause a bush fire or contribute to the spread of a bush fire when the
expected weather conditions indicate that if a wildfire was to start, it would be dangerous, destructive and difficult to stop once started.

On Total Fire Ban days when the Fire Danger Index (FDI) for the area is or exceeds 35, a HVMB must be imposed. During the bush fire season, the FDI is monitored throughout the day through various means including through physical weather readings taken in the field and through the monitoring of weather stations by the Shire’s Bushfire Brigade captains.

What is Not Permitted During a HVMB?

The following is an example of the activities NOT PERMITTED during a HVMB:

• harvesting operations are not permitted
• any “hot works” (eg welding, grinding, cutting, heating etc) in the open air are not permitted
• other – use or operation of any engine, vehicle, plant, equipment or machinery in the area likely to cause a bush fire or contribute to the spread of a bush fire (eg motor bikes, quad bikes or other motorised vehicles in bush or off-road areas including paddocks)

What is Permitted During a HVMB?

The following is an example of the activities PERMITTED during a HVMB:

• movement of Vehicles on “gazetted roads” – as described in Bush Fires Regulation 24A(1) and Road Traffic Act
  1974 section 5.1)
• movement of vehicles on a lane, driveway, yard or other area that provides access to, or a parking facility at, any residential, farming or business premises, if the area has been sufficiently cleared of inflammable material to prevent the escape of fire.
• use or operation of a vehicle if it is for the prevention of an immediate and serious risk to the health or safety of a person or livestock, and only if all reasonable precautions have been taken to prevent the activity from creating a bush fire danger
• use or operations of vehicles and undertaking of “hot works” by those persons holding a current Exemption under Bush Fires Act 1954 s. 22C (exemption from Total Fire Bans).

How do I know if a HVMB is in place?

• Contact the Shire on 08 9928 1102
• Tune in to ABC Radio at 10:05am, 12:35pm and 2:05pm for live notifications
• Listen to ABC Radio online here at 10:05am, 12:35pm and 2:05pm for live notifications
• Check the Shire of Mingenew Facebook Page
• By applying for SMS updates via the Public Communications menu here

The Mingenew Local Emergency Management Committee and Council adopted the most recent Local Emergency Management Arrangements in March 2021.

Click the link to download the Shire’s current Local Emergency Management Arrangements – Local Emergency Management Arrangements 2024.

Bushfire volunteers are essential in assisting the Mingenew community to effectively prevent, prepare, respond, and recover from bushfires and emergencies in the district. In becoming a volunteer you will be provided with the necessary training, skills, equipment and ongoing support required to ensure you are safe and ready to perform the duties of the role. Further information about volunteering in emergency services can be found here.

Should you wish to become a volunteer, we encourage you to contact the Shire, your local Brigade Captain or a Bush Fire Control Officer. To register, please complete the membership application form and submit to the Shire Office or email to enquiries@mingenew.wa.gov.au.

Whilst relatively rare in Mingenew, we do experience cyclones from time to time. Cyclone season is typically November to April.

Cyclones can be incredibly dangerous, bringing heavy rain, flooding and strong winds.

Heavy rainfall can also affect roads, making travel difficult or even unsafe. Some roads may be closed for a period of time.

People who are travelling or planning to travel through the area during a cyclone warning period need to stay informed and make a plan so they know exactly what to do if the situation gets worse.

• Some roads may be closed and motorists are asked to reduce speed and drive carefully.
• Never drive into water of unknown depth and current.
• Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting their website
• You can find local road information and closures on the Shire website click here

Remember that preparing your home and property is your responsibility. You can find helpful information on preparation here.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA advises you to:

• Review your cyclone plan and make sure everyone knows what to do.
• If you plan to leave, be sure to give yourself plenty of time.
• Make sure your emergency kit is ready with essential supplies like food and water.
• Prepare your home inside and out.
• Holidaymakers and people travelling through the area should speak with their accommodation provider about their cyclone plan and decide what you will do if the cyclone will impact the area.
• Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current. If the road is closed, it means its closed.
• Take care in areas that have been flooded and be careful driving on gravel roads as surfaces will be slippery and muddy, and vehicles could become bogged

There are a range of sources of information and assistance in the event of a cyclone:

• Department of Fire and Emergency Services or call call 13 DFES (13 3337
• Bureau of Meteorology or call 1300 659 210
• For State Emergency Service (SES) assistance call 132 500
• For any life-threatening emergency call 000
• Local radio stations

A new and nationally consistent bushfire danger rating system starts across Australia on 1 September 2022, providing clearer and more accurate information to communities at risk of bushfire.

The Australian Fire Danger Rating System brings together the latest science and knowledge of fire behaviour, and is supported by extensive community research. It is the most significant change to the fire danger rating system in more than 50 years.

Under the previous system, fire danger ratings were based on only bush and grass. The new system uses eight different types of vegetation, which have been mapped across the entire country.

THE SIGNS

The display of daily ratings has been simplified to use four levels of fire danger rating, with simple actions for the community to take at each level.

MODERATE – Plane and Prepare – most fires can be controlled.

HIGH – Be ready to act – fires can be dangerous.

EXTREME – Take action now to protect life and property – fires will quickly spread and be extremely dangerous.

CATASTROPHIC – for your survival, leave bushfire risk areas – if fire starts and takes hold, lives are likely to be lost.

Fore more information visit https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/hazard-information/bushfire/prepare