Prohibited burning season extension has Shire of Augusta-Margaret River fire chiefs eyeing permanent shift

Fire authorities have extended the region’s prohibited burning period to at least March 28 amid concerns about dry conditions and not enough rain across most of the Augusta-Margaret River shire.

The conditions are shaping up to mirror last year when official fire control measures were changed five times before the traditional winter spell where home and property owners could catch up with burn-offs on their own land.

However, the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River in consultation with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions had consensus on the first extension of the season.

“The current dry conditions mean if a fire was to start, it has the potential, under the right conditions, to create issues for our volunteer firefighters and the community,” a Shire spokesperson said.

Shire president Julia Meldrum said any extension to the ban would depend on rainfall, but the local government was looking into possible permanent changes to the accepted dates.

“The Shire monitors conditions in the lead-up to and during the high-threat bushfire season,” she said.

“Adjustments to gazetted prohibited and restricted burning periods are often made to reflect seasonal conditions and requirements.

“The Shire has been tracking these adjustments over several years to assess if permanent changes to the gazetted dates are necessary.”

The latest warning meant no burn-offs at all were allowed, nor were campfires or fire pits, garden burn piles or use of outdoor pizza ovens and solid fuel barbecues.