Bushfire preparedness

During periods of increased fire danger, it is important to stay informed and rely on official information sources.

The community is encouraged to:

• Check bushfire warnings and advice.
• Monitor fire danger ratings.
• Following directions from emergency services.
• Avoid relying on unofficial sources or unverified information.

Bushfires can impact communities across Western Australia, including areas within and surrounding the City of Perth.

The City of Perth’s unique urban environment means bushfire risk may present differently compared to areas with significant bushland or rural areas.

While the City does not manage an extensive bushfire-prone areas, bushfires occurring within the broader metropolitan area may impact the community through:

• Smoke and reduced air quality.
• Extreme heat conditions.
• Disruptions to roads and transport networks.
• Impacts to community events and activities.
• Increased demand on emergency services.

Understanding these potential impacts helps the community remain prepared and informed.

The City of Perth supports bushfire preparedness as part of its broader emergency management responsibilities.

The City also undertakes:

1. Weed management on City-owned and managed land using mechanical and chemical control methods.
2. Manual fuel reduction on City-owned and managed land to minimise bushfire risk.
3. Establishment and maintenance of firebreaks and emergency access tracks on City-owned and managed land.
4. Annual firebreak and bushfire hazard inspections of vacant land and bushland within the city.
5. Bushfire fuel load assessments for all areas of 2,000m² or less.
6. Management of access to high-risk areas where required.
7. Community education and bushfire awareness initiatives to help residents and businesses prepare for the bushfire season.

During a bushfire, operational response is led by the relevant emergency service agency, with the city providing support where required.

Firebreak and hazard reduction requirements

To help reduce bushfire risk, owners and occupiers of land within the City of Perth are required to maintain their properties in accordance with the City’s annual Firebreak Notice.

These requirements are established under the Bush Fire Act 1954 and aim to reduce fuel loads and assist emergency services during bushfire events.

Properties 2,000m² or less

Owners and occupiers of properties 2,000m² or less must:

• Remove inflammable matter from the property, except for:
  • Living trees, shrubs and plants.
  • Plants under cultivation.
  • Lawn areas.

Vegetation and other inflammable materials must be reduced through methods such as ploughing, cultivating or slashing to a height of no more than 50mm.

All other land within the City of Perth

Owners and occupiers of all other land within the City of Perth must maintain:

• A firebreak at least 3 meters wide and 3 meters high immediately inside all external property boundaries.
• Firebreaks at least 3 meters wide and 3 meters high around buildings and areas where flammable liquids or gas products are stored.

Firebreaks must be maintained to allow safe access for emergency services if required.

Additional bushfire hazard requirements

The City may issue a written notice requiring additional bushfire hazard reduction works where vegetation, materials or conditions on property may contribute to the outbreak or spread of a bushfire.

These requirements may be issued under section 33 (1)(b) of the Bush Fires Act 1954.

Compliance with firebreak requirements

Owners and occupiers are responsible for ensuring their property complies with the Firebreak Notice requirements.

Where requirements are not met, the City may undertake the necessary works to reduce the bushfire risk in accordance with section 33 (4) of the Bush Fires Act 1954.

Any costs incurred by the City in completion these works may be recovered from the owner or occupier of the land under section 33 (5) of the Act.

Reducing fuel loads is one of the most effective ways to minimise the risk and impact of bushfires. A fuel load is any combustible material that can contribute to the ignition or spread of a bushfire, including dry grass, leaves, twigs, dead vegetation, garden waste, staked timber, firewood and other combustible materials.

Regularly maintaining your property by removing or reducing fuel loads can help slow the spread and intensity of a bushfire and improve the safety of people, property and the wider community.

Property owners and occupiers are encouraged to:

• Remove dead or dry vegetation, leaves and fallen branches.
• Keep grass and other vegetation well maintained.
• Dispose of garden waste appropriately.
• Store timber, firewood and other combustible materials in safe locations.
• Maintain their property in accordance with the City’s annual Firebreak Notice.

By reducing fuel loads throughout the year, residents and property owners can help protect homes, businesses, neighbouring properties and natural areas, while also supporting emergency services in responding to bushfire incidents.

To help reduce the risk of bushfires, fire restrictions may apply throughout the year within the City of Perth.

The City of Perth supports the requirements of the Bush Fires Act 1954 and works with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and other relevant agencies to promote safety and preparedness.

For current information about Total Fire Bans, including restrictions, exemptions and requirements visit DFES website. Total fire ban - Department of Fire and Emergency Services.