Vehicle Identifier Stickers

In regional Western Australia, emergency response is often supplemented by local farmers and landowners using private vehicles who may not be members of a local fire brigade. To assist with the timely identification of authorised persons and vehicles requiring access to an incident ground, DFES recommends the use of Vehicle Identification Stickers. These stickers are affixed to the lower left-hand corner of a vehicle's windscreen and identify the vehicle as being owned by a person authorised by the Local Government to assist with emergency operations. Within the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, Vehicle Identification Stickers are only issued to eligible individuals residing within the rural farming areas of the Shire. Stickers will not be issued to residents of lifestyle properties or built-up residential areas, including Darling Downs, Byford, and the townsites of Mundijong, Serpentine and Jarrahdale. This ensures the focus remains on supporting emergency response in rural areas where local landowners and their equipment may be required to assist during incidents.

The person being issued a vehicle identifier sticker must agree to these conditions when they make their application, most importantly agreeing that:

  • It is the responsibility of the owner and driver of the vehicle to comply with the Road Traffic Act 1974;
  • Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing will be worn at all times; and
  • The driver will ensure that the vehicle’s presence at an incident is recorded on both arrival and departure.

The vehicle identifier sticker does not infer that a vehicle is a fire fighting vehicle, but that it may be assisting or supporting an incident, or to enable passage of brigade members through a Vehicle Control Point for the purpose of deployment to the incident (e.g. to travel to a local brigade station or to crew an appliance deployed to the incident).

It is the Incident Controller who determines and manages access to and from the incident ground. There is no automatic right of entry, and the Incident Controller can override access for vehicles with the identifier. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that the presence of an identifier will enable the Incident Controller (or WA Police/traffic management personnel acting on behalf of the IC) to quickly assess the vehicle in the knowledge that the owner has been instructed to have a good understanding of the procedures outlined in the Guidelines for Operating Private Equipment at Fires booklet and has agreed to the conditions on the sticker application form.

How to apply

  1. Please read the Guidelines for Operating Private Equipment at Fires.
  2. Ensure you complete the checklists on pages 45 - 47 before submitting an application form.
  3. You must complete the online Rural Fire Awareness Course which you can access here.
  4. Please keep a copy of the email you receive when you complete the online course and attach it to your application.
  5. Fill out the Fire Response Vehicle Identifier Application and Indemnity Form.
  6. Submit your application via Request and Report it – Fire Safety – Firebreak Variation Order – Type of Request – General Enquiry 

* Make sure to include photos / any evidence of minimum requirements*

The vehicle identifier stickers are colour coded and have a two-year life span, valid from the 1st of October of each even year, through to the 30th of September of each even year.

Minimum requirements for Vehicle Identification Stickers 

Vehicle
  • The loaded weight of your vehicle less than the rated Gross Vehicle Mass
  • The load, including tank, pump and fittings properly secured
  • Your vehicle is roadworthy, to Department of Transport standards
  • The vehicle and pump are mechanically sound
  • The vehicle and pump have been serviced regularly
  • The vehicle fitted with a UHF Radio
  • There is there a first aid kit in the vehicle
  • There is a woollen blanket for fire protection in the vehicle
  • Your vehicle fitted with an amber rotating beacon

Vehicles with trailer mounted firefighting units will not be approved for a vehicle identification sticker. Trailer mounter firefighting units are not supported in the Shire.

Personal Protective Clothing
  • Cotton or natural fibre overalls with long sleeves or Natural fibre work shirt and trousers or Level 1 bushfire personal protective clothing
  • Sturdy leather boots
  • Leather work gloves
  • Industrial type helmet with chin strap
  • Industrial type goggles
  • Respirator or dust mask
  • Hearing protection (if required)
  • High visibility clothing or vest (if required)
  • Drinking water, food and snacks
First Aid
  • Items have been cleaned
  • Packets are properly sealed
  • Items have not exceeded expiry dates
  • Previously used items have been replaced

Guidelines for Operating Private Equipment at Fires

Rural Fire Awareness Course

Fire Response Vehicle Identifier Application