Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2026 at 9:00:00 AM
The session provided residents with an overview of the incident, the coordinated response, and ongoing recovery efforts, which is summarised below:
- The bushfire began in the early hours of Monday, 9 February, spreading rapidly from Pruden Road across South Western Highway.
- Approximately 90 hectares were impacted before the fire was contained.
- Swift, coordinated action by around 160 volunteer and career firefighters, supported by DFES, DBCA, WA Police, Shire staff, the Departments of Communities and Justice, and local landowners, successfully stopped the fire’s forward spread. Importantly, there was no loss of life or property damage.
- Recovery works, led by the Shire and DBCA, has been completed and included fencing replacement, track repairs, and restoration of impacted areas.
- Daily patrols of the fireground continued until the incident was formally closed on 16 February.
The following presentations were delivered at the Community Debrief Meeting:
Please see answers the questions and topics raised at the meeting
Q. Concern was raised around the alert/alarm to wake family up
A. Using the Emergency WA app, you can set a watch zone and will receive loud and obnoxious alert tones ‘preset’ within the app with for all levels of alerts
Q. There were concerns around the mobile coverage
A. The Shire continues to work with other agencies, including telecommunications companies, to advocate for improved mobile coverage in the Shire.
Q. Concerns around congestion at Soldiers and Bishop roads were raised
A. Emergency Services have not raised concerns around congestion at this intersection. It is acknowledged that there is localised congestion around school drop-off and pick-up times.
Q. Why was the evacuation centre at Byford?
A. The Shire has two Evacuation centre sites - the Serpentine Jarrahdale Community Recreation Centre, Byford, and Clem Kentish Hall, Serpentine. Which site to open is determined in collaboration by the incident controller, the Department of Communities and the Shire according to the particular incident.
The Serpentine Jarrahdale Community Recreation Centre, Byford, was selected as it was the most suitable locations for the evacuation centre based on the information available at the time.
Q. What is being done to address the Whitby Estate emergency access
A. The Shire is working with the developers to ensure evacuation routes are fit for purpose for the estate, now and into the future.
Q. Tonkin Highway Extension Alliance's impact to road network and emergency access
A. The Shire has worked closely with the Tonkin Extension Alliance around Emergency Access Ways and to ensure the project supports bushfire safety, particularly through planning suitable Emergency Access Ways (EAWs). This has included reviewing road layouts, providing input on EAW design and placement, and identifying where improved access can strengthen community evacuation and emergency response.
Q. New National Warning System
A. AusAlert is a new national emergency warning system that sends urgent messages to compatible mobile phones and other mobile devices in a specified area. Currently this is in the testing phase and is due to begin operating from October 2026.
Q. What can the Shire do about excess fuel on verges?
A. The Shire manages verges where it affects public safety, essential infrastructure, drainage, or sight lines, and in key areas such as community facilities, parks and reserves. Outside of these circumstances, the Shire does not routinely mow or slash verges fronting private or commercial properties.
Managing fuel loads on these verges is primarily the responsibility of the adjoining property owner, including mowing, weed control and removal of debris to reduce fire risk and protect drainage systems. More information is available at Council Policy – Urban and Rural Verge
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