Fire station upgrades complete

Upgrades to five South West fire stations mean volunteers have the skills and equipment to fight both bushfires and structural fires.

Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis today opened upgraded stations in Dunsborough, Cowaramup, Yallingup, Wallcliffe and Witchcliffe now equipped to operate as both bush fire brigades and volunteer fire and rescue services.

Mr Francis said the station upgrades were part of a $7million boost to firefighting capabilities in the region through extra fire trucks, improved response arrangements, specialised training and extra crew protection systems.

“As we know from the Margaret River fires two years ago, the Capes region is a high bushfire risk area so we have responded with extra protection for the community,” Mr Francis said.

Mr Francis announced a pilot program to launch this month with the Shires of Augusta-Margaret River, Boyup Brook, Collie and Nannup. The program will develop bushfire risk management plans protecting schools, hospitals, communication towers and bridges through increased planning and preparation for fire breaks and prescribed burns.

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Wayne Gregson said enhanced volunteer stations meant “increased capacity to meet increased risks.”