Fire planideal fitfor region

The establishment of the new $80 million Rural Fire Division was discussed by key representatives in Port Hedland earlier this month.

The fire division is co-ordinated by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, and comes in response to recommendations from the January 2016 Waroona Bushfire Special Inquiry with the aim of increasing the focus on bushfire management and volunteer relations across regional WA.

Those in attendance at the June 2 meeting included Minister for Emergency Services Francis Logan, Member for the Pilbara Kevin Michel, Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm, and representatives of the Port and South Hedland volunteer fire brigades, the Town of Port Hedland Bushfire Brigade, and the SES.

Town of Port Hedland Mayor Camilo Blanco welcomed the division’s establishment and its intention to better co-ordinate local and State services.

“Our region experiences many bushfires throughout the year which pose potential threats to residential and industrial zones — this division will harness the expertise and experience our local bushfire volunteers bring to the field,” he said.

Mr Logan said he hoped the division would strengthen the relationship between local volunteers, the council and the State Government to maximise the prevention and response mechanisms available.

Mr Klemm said the establishment of the division was the first step towards a united approach to bushfire prevention and management.