Preparing Your Horses for Bushfire Season

With around 97% of the Shire classified as bushfire prone, it’s important to plan ahead for emergency situations — especially when horses are involved. Being prepared helps protect your animals, your property and the safety of yourself and the emergency services who may assist you.

If your horse is agisted, your bushfire plan should be developed collaboratively with the property owner and all responsible parties. Clear communication before an emergency makes all the difference.

Deciding whether to stay or leave

The decision to stay on your property or evacuate must be made well before a fire begins. Establish clear, measurable triggers for when you will act — for example, when the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issues a bushfire warning or when the Fire Danger Rating reaches Severe, Extreme or Catastrophic.

Whether you plan to stay or go, prepare an emergency kit in advance. This may include halters and leads, feed, first aid supplies, medications, portable lighting and essential tools such as wire cutters. Access to your property may be restricted for days during an emergency.

Evacuating your horse

If evacuation is part of your plan, leave as early as possible. Late evacuation increases risk for both animals and people. Consider the following:

  • Destination: Where will you take your horse? Have multiple backup locations.
  • Responsibility: Who will be evacuating your horse?
  • Routes: What travel routes can you use safely? What are your alternatives?
  • Transport: Is your horse float-trained? Is your float suitable?
  • Facilities: Will you need temporary yards or safe holding areas?

During large emergencies, the Shire’s Emergency Services Team may activate evacuation centres, including areas for animals. Locations will depend on the type and location of the incident, so having more than one planned option is essential.

Staying on your property

If evacuation is not safe or practical, you will need a prepared location for your horse. This area should:

  • be as large and open as possible
  • be free from hazards and flammable material
  • have access to water
  • have multiple access points
  • have clear fence lines and maintained firebreaks

Preparing safe areas before fire season improves outcomes for both animals and responders.

Road closures and property access

Roads may be closed during an emergency due to safety risks. In some cases, access may be restricted for several days. If you cannot reach your animals, contact Ranger Services on 9526 1111.

Rangers, DFES and DPIRD may be able to assess your animals, supply feed and water, or evacuate them if it becomes necessary. Never enter an exclusion zone — it places emergency services and yourself at risk.

Checklists and planning tools

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) provides practical planning tools, including the Plan for Animal Welfare in Emergencies (PAWE) checklist.

Download PAWE checklist

Property maintenance

All property owners must comply with the Shire’s annual Firebreak Notice. Firebreaks must be:

  • clear of vegetation, flammable material and obstructions
  • trafficable for emergency vehicles
  • maintained throughout the fire season

Keeping your property clear and accessible supports both your own safety and emergency services’ ability to respond.

During an emergency

  • Follow all directions from emergency services.
  • Never cut fences to let horses roam free — this endangers animals and people.
  • If you are not prepared or equipped to stay, leave early.
  • Do not rely on mains water or power — ensure alternatives are available.
  • Know how to manually open electric gates.
  • Ensure animals are identifiable (brands, tags, microchips, markings).

Stay informed

Keep up to date with warnings and alerts at:
www.emergency.wa.gov.au

Further information

Contact the Shire Emergency Services Team on 9526 1111.