Prohibited season extension comes amid serious risk fears for Capes region until after Easter

The region’s prohibited burning season will now extend until after Easter as authorities voice concerns about unprecedented risks along the coast.

The move comes as volunteer firefighters report some visitors and residents were still not getting the message about open fires which put the entire region in danger.

The Times understands some brigades were still being called out to extinguish campfires and open-flame barbecues despite open fires being prohibited during the summer.

A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said it was crucial residents adhered to restrictions during declared total fire ban days.

“Total fire bans are declared on days where fires will be very difficult to control due to extreme fire weather conditions or if there are widespread fires already burning and firefighting resources are stretched,” they said.

“On a TFB day, it is illegal to light an open-air fire or conduct any activity that could start a fire.”

Harsh penalties could be enforced for those flouting the law, and even “innocuous” activities like welding or barbecues put people’s lives at risk, DFES said.

“Ignorance isn’t an excuse during a TFB,” the spokesperson said.

“We implore the community to do the right thing – don’t put the lives of your family and neighbours at risk.”

Augusta-Margaret River Shire chief bushfire control officer David Holland said the prohibited season was extended due to abnormally dry conditions and a poor rainfall forecast for the rest of the month.

“The dryness of soil means that any fire starting still has the potential, with the right conditions, to pose issues for our volunteer firefighters and community until there is a significant rain event,” he said.

“The safety of our community remains our highest priority, so we’re asking all visitors and residents to remain respectful of the fire restrictions that have been in place this fire season.”

The extension of the season was decided in consultation with fire brigades and DFES as well as the Department of Biodiversity, Conservations and Attractions.

“The consensus was to remain prudent and extend the prohibited burning period for a further period,” Mr Holland said.

He reiterated even backyard campfires were banned under April 2, unless the season was extended again.

The low rainfall had firefighters as well as conservationists across the region alarmed.

Additionally, the Australian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council had predicted seasonally low rainfall throughout autumn.

DFES said protecting the community was a shared responsibility and fines of $1000 or more serious prosecution could lead to jail or fines of up to $25,000.

The City of Busselton said its firefighters encountered no problems with illegal fires this summer.