The prohibited burn period in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River has been extended from midnight 28 February 2015 to midnight 14 March 2015 as a result of ongoing dry weather and warm temperatures.
The extension means no fires can legally be lit in the local government area, unless in a wood-fuelled cooking appliance fitted with a spark arrester that is used only between the hours of 6pm and 11pm.
Shire of Augusta Margaret River Community Emergency Services Manager Brendan Jordan said the decision to extended the prohibited burn season was made in the interests of the wider community.
“A number of Western Australian local government areas have been heavily impacted by fire this summer,” he said.
“As our whole shire is a declared bushfire prone area we are erring on the side of caution and extending the prohibited period by a fortnight.”
Mr Jordan said a further extension of the prohibited burning period would be considered if conditions required.
“At this stage the only change to key dates is the extension of the prohibited period by two weeks and the following restricted period is still currently scheduled to end on 12 May 2015,” he said.
“Community members should note dates are subject to change and refer to local newspaper advertising and the Shire’s website before igniting.
Anyone with any enquiries about fire season are encouraged to contact to the Shire Rangers on 9780 5255 or at amrshire@amrshire.wa.gov.au
Key fire dates and restriction details are listed in the 2014/15 Fuel Hazard Reduction and Firebreak Notice, which is available fromwww.amrshire.wa.gov.au
