Mid West community urged to plan burns sooner as State expects to see higher than average temperatures

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is urging Mid West residents to conduct planned burns soon ahead of the warmer weather. The call comes as the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts warmer than usual temperatures across WA during spring. While spring this year is less likely to be hotter than spring 2023, which recorded a record mean maximum temperature of 28.1C, there is a chance of unusually warmer weather again this year. “For September so far, mean maximum temperatures are very much above average in western parts of the State, and mean minimum temperatures are very much above average in the northern two-thirds of the State, north of Perth,” a BoM spokesperson said. “The Bureau of Meteorology’s long-range forecast indicates maximum and minimum temperatures are likely above average for most of the State for October and November.” Last year, firefighters responded to 5088 bushfires across the State between October and May, which was 1000 more than the same time period the year before. In the Mid West, 331 bushfires were responded to in the Mid West and Gascoyne between October 1, 2023 and May 31, 2024. DFES is urging residents to use the Burn SMART resources online for their burn plan, which includes explanations on fuel and weather conditions, as well as local requirements. Fire and Emergency Services commissioner Darren Klemm said burn plans can help save homes. “Bushfires are inevitable in Western Australia but planned burns can substantially reduce the intensity and speed. A well-planned burn could save your home, it’s that simple,” he said. “It is crucial that everyone plays their part to reduce bushfire risk and prepares their property, especially as the frequency and severity of these incidents increase.” The department is also encouraging people to register their planned burns with DFES. More information can be found on the DFES website. Last year, it was the warmest spring recorded at the Geraldton Airport, with a mean maximum temperature of 28.1C. Geraldton Airport recorded three days with daily maximum temperatures of 40C or higher in spring 2023, including October 16 (41.3C), November 3 (42.2C) and November 21 (43.1C).