There’s a ‘50-50 chance’ the Shire of Harvey could extend the fire ban after dry weather

Fire restrictions in Harvey may be extended despite the burning period set to end on May 15, with continued dry weather causing concern.

The restricted burning period began two months ago on March 15 with a permit required for people to start fires outside the hours of 6pm to 11pm.

However, the burn period may be extended after unusually warm May weather has caused the ground to become dry and prone to ignition.

Leschenault Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade captain Mick Papalia said there were many factors to consider before allowing the public to freely light fires.

“We have had a reasonable amount of rain, but even so, it’s extremely dry,” he said. “If you dig below the top layer of leaf matter, it’s still very dry on the ground, so that can give the fuel to get a fire to spread.

“Where we want to open the season is once that threat of fire being able to spread is gone, but at the moment I reckon we’re probably about a 50-50 chance for extending, maybe another two weeks.”

Mr Papalia said his chief would make that decision in consultation with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the Bureau of Meteorology.

He said education was the key to having an informed community when it comes to fire safety.

“People are now starting to realise there is a danger if they go outside of the rules. Not only because you get fined, but because it endangers the community,” Mr Papalia said.

“I think from 2017 after Yarloop things really started to improve. I think now everybody realises these things happen and it doesn’t happen often, but when it does — you look at Yarloop — and (its) lives lost and property damaged.”

Mr Papalia said the rules are in place to keep the community safe from fires.

“You do the wrong thing and there’s consequences,” he said.

“You’d hate to be the one person that had a fire outside of the permit and it got away and caused a Yarloop-type incident.

“I’m not trying to scare people, but I think it’s good for the community to realise they do live in a high-risk area, regardless of the time of year.”

Shire of Harvey president Michelle Campbell said the community have been respectful of the restrictions and have ensured they keep themselves and others safe around fires.

“I think the community have done the right thing,” she said.

“Normally you see on social media lots of burning off, but I haven’t seen a lot of that. People have been very respectful.

“I think the education is out there as well.”