Response
Response activities combat the effects of the event, provide emergency assistance for casualties, help reduce further damage and help speed recovery operations.
Thinking of attending a fire?
You should not attend any fire unless you have been appropriately trained. It is dangerous and lives have been lost due to sightseers causing vehicle accidents, running into firefighters is dense smoke and clogging/jamming roads which prevent the emergency services from getting through to the emergency.
Please do not go sight-seeing...But I'm just having a look
- The look may cost you your life
- Have respect for the emergency service volunteers and families affected by the emergency
- How would you feel?
- You may cause an accident
- You may get caught in the fire and die. How would you family feel if that happened?
- Please do the right thing and stay away
In an emergency a hotline will be set up and a number advertised that you can call to find out what is occurring.
If you want to know about a fire in your area please contact the shire offices or your local fire control officer or click here to find out the latest warnings.
What fire units are in the shire?
The Shire owns and operates six fire brigades and has twelve fire units. In support of the fire brigades, Council also maintains an incident support group that has a communications bus, a welfare support brigade and the State Emergency Services unit, which has two vehicles and two trailer units.
These are all manned by volunteers so why don’t you volunteer today? It’s very rewarding!
Emergency Services - Expression of Interest (52KB)
What about the State forest lands, who looks after that?
The Department of Conservation and Environment is responsible for the management of fires on their lands; however the Shire has an excellent working relationship with Department of Conservation and Environment and the Shire’s fire services respond to fires that have the potential to impact on our communities.
For emergency response by Department of Conservation and Environment to fires and other emergencies please click here.
Click here to see how the Department of Conservation and Environment respond to fires and manage fires.
Click here to see how the Department of Conservation and Environment undertakes fire management on their lands.
What about community warnings?
The State Government has now introduced a single point for all Emergency Services agencies to use and send out warnings.
You should never rely on information reaching you as this can be influenced by the weather, the emergency itself and the infrastructure that sends out the emergency warning.
If they are affected the information may not be broadcast.
Click to see the one-stop-shop of information during an emergency.
Understanding the fire signs
You will see various signs around the community advising of fire conditions. Please ensure you understand what they mean and what information they are telling you.
If you have any questions regarding any fire danger or information boards please contact the Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire offices on 9526 1111.
Property Owner with Equipment
Question: I am a farmer/property owner and I am attending a fire affecting my property?
If you attend a fire as a firefighter you should wear the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ie. boots and overalls or long-sleeved shirt and long trousers (non-flammable cotton type), gloves and a sturdy helmet/hat.
You must:
- Report to a fire control point or fire unit at the fire and let the Fire Control Officer know that you are on scene
- Sign an attendance 'T' card to ensure you are covered for insurance
- Advise when you are leaving
Guidelines for Operating Private Equipment at Fires (1.2MB)
What if I get caught in a fire in my car?
You should never put yourself in this circumstance. If you are going to leave, go early. It is important to stay calm and not to leave your vehicle. Click to see what you should do to improve your chances of survival in this situation.
Click to see how the Australian Red Cross supports the Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire Emergency Services during the response phase of an emergency.