Wildfire response

Details

Published on Wednesday, 31 May 2006 19:30

To report a wildfire that is burning on land managed by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) telephone the nearest DEC District office . You will hear a recorded message that will provide the phone number of the District Fire Duty Officer.

To report fires burning on any other land telephone

  and follow the telephone prompts.

 

Wildfire suppression with machinery

DEC is responsible for the suppression of wildfires on the land entrusted to its management. The department also supports Bush Fire Brigades and the community on a ‘good neighbour basis’ with wildfires that occur near to or threatening this land.

DEC's policy on Fire Management states that:

• Fire fighter and public safety is the first priority in every fire management activity and,
• The Department of Environment and Conservation will respond to fires occurring on or near departmental managed lands to the degree that is appropriate to the values at risk, the prevailing and forecast weather, the available fire fighting resources, the cost of the fire suppression operations, and the likelihood of impacts to the environment and the community.
• The Department of Environment and Conservation will take control or provide assistance at fires in accordance with State and local arrangements between the Department of Environment and Conservation and other authorities and other agencies.

An effective and coordinated approach to wildfire suppression and fire protection planning requires close liaison and working arrangements with other emergency and support services. DEC maintains close liaison with the Forest Products Commission, the Local Government Authorities and their bushfire brigades, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) and the State, District and Local Emergency Management Committees.

DEC is the designated Hazard Management Agency (HMA) for the management of fire on all departmental lands across the State. As an HMA, the department is responsible for coordinating the fire prevention, preparedness, response and recovery following fires on departmental land.

DEC undertakes fire detection operations in the south west of the State during the fire season. This involves aircraft and fire towers used to detect and provide intelligence on fires. The department also holds in readiness trained and experienced fire fighters, fire tankers, aircraft and specialist equipment to address wildfires when they occur.