Preparing your Property and Prevention Requirements 

Its important to prepare for Bushfire season before Bushfire season begins. As bushfire season nears, it is important to prepare your home and property to help minimise the danger and damage caused by potential fires. In Western Australia, bushfires can spread quickly because of the climate and surrounding vegetation, making early preparation vital for protecting both people and property.

The vast majority of the Shire of Cuballing is a bushfire prone area. You can check if you land is bushfire prone by clicking here to view a map of Bushfire prone areas. 

As per the National Emergency Management Agency, there are 5 main steps that can assist in preparing your home and family for Bushfire Season.

Step 1 - Prepare your home

• Cut back branches that grow near buildings and ensure to rake up any leaves, twigs or litter
• Clear gutters, decks, roofs and valleys
• Ensure access to hoses and watering systems, along with obtaining a water supply that does not require an electric pump
• Ensure the entry way to your property is accessible to emergency service vehicles
• If there is a fire prediction, ensure any outdoor furniture or doors mat are removed to lessen the likelihood of your home catching alight

Step 2 – Check your Home and Contents Insurance Cover

 Many people only realise after a disaster that their home and contents insurance did not provide enough cover for their property and belongings. Whether you own your home or rent, having inadequate insurance can lead to major financial loss and added stress during an already difficult time. Check your policy and reach out to your insurer to ensure you are properly covered.

Step 3 – Have a Bushfire plan for all members of the family

Bushfire conditions can change rapidly, increasing the level of danger within a short amount of time. In some situations, remaining at home may no longer be safe, and you could need to leave immediately. Having a well-prepared bushfire plan ensures that every member of your household understands what to do during an emergency. When creating your plan, it may also be helpful to include neighbours, friends, or elderly and vulnerable people within your community who may need assistance.

Pets are often among the most at-risk members of the household during emergencies, so it is important to plan ahead for their safety as well. Consider what arrangements could be made if you are unable to return home, or where your pets would go if you needed to evacuate quickly.

When preparing your bushfire survival plan, think about the following questions:

• Where will you go if evacuation becomes necessary?
• How will you leave safely?
• Are you prepared if an evacuation occurs while you are away from home?
• What essential items will you take with you, and what will be your priorities?

Step 4 – Pack Emergency and Evacuation Kits

Preparing an emergency kit is an important step in getting ready for bushfire season. During emergencies, essential services such as electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications may be disrupted. Access to supermarkets, pharmacies, and other supplies may also be limited for several days, particularly in remote areas. Having an emergency kit ready ensures you and your household have the supplies needed during and after an emergency situation.Store your emergency kit in a durable, waterproof container and keep it in a secure location that is easy to access quickly during an emergency.

Step 5 – Stay informed and find support

Ensuring you have access to radio may be a vital part preparing for a bushfire. During an emergency, tune into your local ABC for the latest warnings and advice – find your local station or download the ABC listen app at https://www.abc.net.au/emergency/ . You can also stay abreast of the situation by following relevant emergency services on social media channels. 

Useful Documents 

• DFES Bushfire Survival Manual
• Prepare, Act, Survive Booklet

Firebreaks 

A firebreak is a cleared strip of land with little or no vegetation or other flammable material leaving clear earth. It is designed to act as a barrier that helps slow down, control, or prevent the spread of bushfires and wildfires. Overhanging trees, shrubs, bushes also need to be removed as part of the firebreak. Firebreaks must be no less than 2.5 metres around the boundary of a property and have flammable material (grass, shrubbery, etc) no higher than 50mm. An area of at least 4 metres wide cleared for all flammable material shall be established around the perimeter of of all homesteads, buildings, haystacks and fuel storage areas.

 

As a landowner or occupier you are required under the provisions of the Bushfire Act 1954 to carry out fire prevention work on your property. Firebreaks must be carried out by 31^st October of the current year, or, within 14 days of becoming the owner or occupier, and maintained throughout the summer months until the 15^th May the following year. Owners or Occupiers who fail to comply with the Shire of Cuballing firebreak requirements, may be issued with an infringement notice and in other cases, may be prosecuted. In some instances where an owner or occupier refuses to comply, the Cuballing shire council or officers acting on behalf of council will carry out the required work at the cost of the owner.

Penalties for non-compliance
Failure to maintain 2.5 metre fire-break or remove flammable material	$250.00
Burning During prohibited burning times	$250.00
Failure to produce permit to burn	$110.00

For further information about the Shire of Cuballings Firebreak requirements, please click here to find the 2025/2026 Shire of Cuballing Firebreak Notice.