We talk with DFES incident controller Clint Kuchel following the devastating Mariginiup/ Wanneroo fires and ask what we need to do to minimise risk and boost business recovery.

Words Anna Flanders

“Most of the sheds that were destroyed no doubt had some chemicals, but most of them were complying with the storage of dangerous goods. Those rules and regulations are there for a reason, and complying is part of running a good, sound operation. Adhering to codes of practice, making sure that there is good housekeeping and good processes, they all add up. So there’s no one thing that I’d ask growers to do. It is all important,” Clint says.

He talks about a shared responsibility as the best way forward for DFES and landowners/lease holders. That refers to workers, managers or owners creating fire plans and having that plan either mitigate fire on their property (extinguish the fire on their property), or a plan to protect and evacuate staff.

Life is the number one priority. It’s essential to have plans in place and for all staff, including those who are non-English speaking, to be aware of that plan. It’s a good idea for people to put in place testing measures during the high threat period, when the incidence of bushfire may be more prevalent. “There needs to be a heightened level of awareness of the risk, but also a heightened level of preparedness for taking immediate action if a fire occurs on the property. Or, if a fire is impacting the property, having plans in place and people who are aware of the plans to either put up their protective measures or evacuate,” he adds.

So, at a minimum, what should each horticulture business have on their property to counteract the risk of a bushfire?

“ The speed and the ferocity of the Wanneroo fire was such that most of the impacts were through radiant heat and amber attacks. This allowed the fire to continue through the horticultural areas ”

1. A plan. Look at the My Bushfire App, which can assist with creating that plan. DFES markets it for domestic dwellings, but it works well for a rural environment for primary producers.

2. A clean and well-maintained property. This means good fire breaks where vehicles can move around and good setbacks from any natural bush.

3. Good housekeeping. Ensure compliant storage of chemicals and other hazards, and no debris.

4. An evacuation plan for workers. That’s important!

5. Trained and qualified people. If operations do involve outdoor work with the potential to start a fire, during a total fire ban or not, having trained and qualified people with fire extinguishing means on-site to put out fires is good practice.

6. Local knowledge. Not all responding DFES crews will be familiar with your area. DFES relies on landholders to advise on possible exposures.

“We rely on farmers and agriculturists and horticulturists to maintain good housekeeping. They need to make sure that in their dangerous goods storage there’s some built-in protection and asset protection zones around their shed. We often talk about asset protection zones around domestic dwellings and houses, but for primary producers it’s the sheds and their machinery.

“That same principle around asset protection zones counts around the equipment and infrastructure that is key to their livelihoods. That means having breaks around storage facilities or packing sheds. That means managing fuel loads around the boundaries of the farms, and having a plan not only for the impact of fire, but also that the business continuity post impact of fire or a devastating event,” explains Clint.

There are around 14,000 horticulture workers throughout Western Australia. If all those people are skilled up in fire preparation that’s a win for the industry. And while DFES is asking for a shared responsibility in bushfire preparation, it’s not asking farmers and growers to commit a crew. Workers do not need to be exposed to something that’s harmful, but there is a benefit if that workforce is well prepared.

“Unfortunately, the reality is that every large fire starts off with a small fire. And if we can put it out when it’s small, then that saves everyone a lot of heartache,” says Clint. “The other reality is that by the time the fire is on you, it’s too late. It is all in the preparation. If you’ve got a water supply, turn that on; however, it needs to be on backup power because power may be lost or we may turn power off. So it’s having a contingency plan in place well ahead of the impact. The time to think about what you might do is certainly not when you’re faced by a wall of fire.”