ANY activity that could start a fire is banned in the Shire of Gingin on Saturday, December 10.
An alert issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services on Friday, December 9 at 4.51pm said Shire of Gingin residents must not light or use any fires in the open air.
The alert also said open fires for the purpose of cooking or camping were not allowed, hot work such as metal work, grinding, welding, soldering, gas cutting or similar was not allowed unless a resident had an exemption and residents must not undertake any other activities, which could start a fire.
But if a harvest and vehicle movement ban had not been implemented by either local government residents were able to harvest or move vehicles across paddocks for agricultural purposes.
The department reminded residents they could be fined up to $25,000 or jailed for 12 months or both if they ignore the Total Fire Ban.
For information on activities that can or cannot be carried out during a Total Fire Ban visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au/totalfirebans/Pages/TotalFireBanWhatCantIDo.aspx
If the information you want is not available from the website, telephone the Total Fire Ban Information Line 1800 709 355.
This information is also available by visiting www.emergency.wa.gov.au/#totalfirebans
Earlier the department said a Severe Fire Danger Rating had been forecast for Saturday, December 10 for the Shire of Gingin.
The alert said the conditions would be very hot, dry and windy and if a bushfire started and took hold it would be unpredictable, able to move very fast and be difficult for firefighters to bring under control.
Spot fires could also start and move quickly and embers could come from many directions.
If you live in or near bush, high fuel loads or a forested area then you are at risk and need to take action:
- Read through your bushfire survival plan. If you do not have one decide what you will do if a fire starts.
- If you are not prepared to the highest level, leaving bushfire risk areas early in the day is your safest option.
- Homes that are prepared to the highest level, have been constructed to bushfire protection levels and are actively defended may provide safety. You must be physically and mentally prepared to defend in these conditions.
To find out what the Fire Danger Rating means to you visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au or call 9395 9300 during normal office hours.
Check the Fire Danger Rating for your area by visiting www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 213 (call charges apply).
