Mount Barker VFRS

Winter safety tips

Wes — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:56:39 +0000

Mount Barker VFRS was turned out to a chimney fire last night. Due to this incident it’s a good time to remind people of a few winter safety tips.

Make sure your chimney is clean.
Don’t burn green wood. (Cleaner and better for the environment.)
Make sure your smoke alarm is correctly installed (NOT sitting on top of the fridge) and is working.

New South Wales Fire Brigades have just launched a website called http://www.homefiresafetyaudit.com.au/ – it’s worth a look!

AGM

Wes — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:47:07 +0000

Our AGM occurs tonight after the General Meeting. 7pm at the Station.

Smoke around Mount Barker – 28/4/10

Wes — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:35:17 +0000

There is currently a smoke haze around Mount Barker. The cause of the smoke haze is the light winds dragging smoke in from a number of DEC burns in the local area.
For more information about DEC burns have a look at http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/

FIRE PERMITS REQUIRED

Wes — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:58:55 +0000

As of Tuesday, April 27, 2010, permits will be required before a fire is lit within the Shire of Plantagenet.

This change was done due to the prolonged dry period.

Please contact the Shire of Plantagenet if you have any queries.

Smoke around Mount Barker

Wes — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 08:38:19 +0000

We have been fielding a number of calls and queries as to the smoke around town. Currently DEC are conducting a prescribed burn south west of Narrikup. Prevailing winds are carrying the smoke to Mount Barker. If you have a problem with smoke due to a respiratory problem it is advised you stay indoors with doors and windows closed.

AREA MANAGER VISIT

Wes — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:01:51 +0000

A reminder to all Members that Area Manager John Tonkin will be on Station for his regular visits.

6:30pm at the Station on March 22.

FIRE WEATHER WARNING

Wes — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 23:35:13 +0000

From the Bureau of Meteorology:

FIRE WEATHER WARNING
Issued at 3:50 am WST on Wednesday, 6 January 2010

For Wednesday
A CATASTROPHIC Fire Danger [GFDI 100+] is forecast for the Central Wheat Belt, Great Southern, South Coastal and Southeast Coastal districts.

A SEVERE Fire Danger [GFDI 50-74] is forecast for the Central West Inland, Lower West Inland and Southwest Inland subdistricts.

If you are in a CATASTROPHIC Fire Danger area:
FESA advises some fires will be unpredictable, difficult to control and move
very fast.
The safest place is to be away from a fire.
You may choose to leave for a safer place the night before or early on the day.

For further bushfire advice and information on total fire bans go to:
www.fesa.wa.gov.au

Synoptic Situation
A deep trough of low pressure will move through the Southwest Land Division with very hot and windy conditions over most parts away from the west coast.

The next warning will be issued by 4:00 pm WST Wednesday.

This warning is also available through TV and radio broadcasts; the Bureau’s
website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 213.

Motor vehicle accident – 10/12/09

Wes — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:53:05 +0000

Mount Barker VFRS were called to an MVA on Chester Pass Road on December 12. Albany Fire & Rescue and Mount Barker St Johns Ambulance were also present.

Mount Barker VFRS would like to remind drivers to take care on the roads. Speed, alcohol and fatigue are three of the biggest killers of people in cars. Don’t let your festive season be ruined by a car accident.

Vehicle crash – 23/11/2009

Wes — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:17:01 +0000

On Monday, November 23, 2009 Mount Barker VFRS were turned out to a reported motor vehicle accident with persons trapped. The Urban Tanker, Light Tanker and Rescue Trailer were mobilised. On scene they found a small four wheel drive on its side against a tree. All trapped persons were out upon arrival and were being spoken to by the Cranbrook SJA volunteers. Tambellup Volunteer Emergency Service was stood down and the scene was made safe. Once Police were present MBVFRS returned to Station.

Mount Barker VFRS would like to remind people to drive safely on the road. Changing weather conditions means you need to change how you drive.

2 incidents – 7/11/2009

Wes — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:02:15 +0000

Mount Barker VFRS answered a radio call from the Plantagenet Shire Chief Bushfire Control Officer in the afternoon of November 7. It was a report of a scrub fire burning near the tip on O’Neill Road. As there was a crew present doing a HAZMAT course, they were mobilised. On arrival crews started to contain the fire. Narrikup and Porongurup BFBs arrived shortly afterwards and took over the control of the incident. Just as crews started arriving back on station another call, this time of a motor vehicle accident with persons trapped was received. This was located near Nunijup Lake in the Cranbrook Shire. At the time of writing the crews had yet to arrive or were on scene.

Mount Barker VFRS reminds members of the public when driving near the scene of a bush fire to turn their headlights on, drive cautiously and take the advice of emergency service personnel.