Get Ready for Bushfire Perth: How to Prepare Your Home & Stay Safe
If you live in Perth, bushfires are something you can’t afford to ignore. With hot, dry conditions and strong winds, Perth is no stranger to bushfire threats—and they can escalate quickly. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare isn’t just smart, it could save lives.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about bushfire Perth. You’ll find out what causes fires in the first place, when you’re most at risk, how to stay across official warnings, and how to get your home bushfire-ready.
What Causes Bushfires in Perth?
Bush fires in Perth are usually the result of a mix of natural conditions and human activity. The city and surrounding regions have a Mediterranean climate—hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters—which means by the time summer rolls around, there’s often plenty of dry vegetation that can act as fuel for fires.
Common causes of bushfires in Perth include:
Lightning strikes: Particularly in remote or bushland areas, lightning can easily ignite dry grass, trees, and scrub.
Extreme weather conditions: High temperatures, low humidity, and strong easterly winds create the perfect storm for bushfires to start and spread rapidly.
Human activity: Unfortunately, many bushfires are started accidentally (or deliberately) by people. This includes things like arson, unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, sparks from machinery, or powerlines coming down in strong winds.
Local vegetation, like eucalypts, also contributes to the intensity of fires—many native plants are highly flammable due to the oils they produce. Combine that with prolonged periods of drought, and Perth becomes especially vulnerable during the hotter months.
When Is Perth’s Bushfire Season?
Perth’s bushfire season typically runs from November through to April, with the highest risk period between December and March. These months are marked by high temperatures, dry vegetation, and strong easterly winds, which create the perfect conditions for fires to ignite and spread quickly.
The exact timing and bushfire risk can vary each year depending on weather patterns and local conditions. For example, a drier-than-average winter often leads to more severe fire conditions the following summer, while El Niño events can also increase the likelihood of extreme heat and bushfire outbreaks in WA.
Even early spring and late autumn can carry risks if the weather has been particularly dry, so it’s important to be bushfire-ready at any time of the year.
How to Access Perth Bushfire Warnings?
Staying informed during bushfire season is crucial. In Perth, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) provides several reliable channels to keep you updated:
Emergency WA Website and App
The Emergency WA website is your primary source for real-time information on bushfires, including alerts, warnings, and an interactive bushfires Perth map. Bookmark it in your web browser for quick access.
For on-the-go access, download the Emergency WA app from the App Store or Google Play. The app allows you to:
Set up personalized watch zones for areas like your home, workplace, or children’s school.
Receive tailored push notifications about incidents in your selected zones.
Access live feeds of reported incidents and official warnings.
View information on Total Fire Bans and Fire Danger Ratings.
DFES Facebook Page
Follow the DFES Facebook page for timely Perth bushfires updates, safety information, and community alerts. Social media can be a valuable tool for staying connected during emergencies.
ServiceWA App
The ServiceWA app, available on both App Store and Google Play, also provides bushfire warning notifications for your local area. By enabling notifications, you can receive timely updates directly to your mobile device.
ABC Local Radio
In situations where internet access is limited, tuning into ABC Radio Perth (720 kHz AM) is a reliable alternative. As Australia’s official emergency broadcaster, ABC provides regular updates during emergencies. Ensure you have a battery-powered radio available, especially during high-risk periods.
DFES Information Line
For recorded emergency information, you can call the DFES Information Line at 13 DFES (13 3337). This service offers updates on current bushfires Perth WA and safety advice.
Emergency Alert System
In critical situations, DFES may issue Emergency Alerts via SMS or voice messages to landlines and mobile phones in affected areas. These alerts provide urgent Perth fires information and instructions. However, don’t solely rely on these messages; always stay proactive in monitoring multiple information sources.
How Can You Prepare Your Home for Bushfire Season?
To reduce the impact of bushfires on your property and those around you, preparing your home ahead of bushfire season is one of the most important things you can do. Even if you’re not living in a rural or semi-rural area, homes on the outskirts of Perth or near bushland can still be at risk.
Here’s how you can prepare:
Create a Building Protection Zone
Start by clearing a 20-metre zone around your home:
Remove dry grass, leaf litter, twigs, and bark.
Keep lawns mowed and gardens well-maintained.
Prune lower tree branches (up to 2 metres from the ground) to prevent fire from climbing into the canopy.
Maintain at least a 2-metre gap between your house and overhanging tree branches.
This reduces fuel for fires and helps slow their spread.
Seal Your Home Against Embers
Embers can enter through small gaps and ignite your home from the inside. To prevent this:
Install metal flyscreens on windows and vents.
Seal gaps under eaves, around doors, and under the house.
Use ember guards on evaporative air conditioners.
Keep gutters and roof valleys clear of leaves and debris.
Store Flammable Materials Safely
Keep combustible items away from your home:
Store firewood, gas bottles, and fuel in a shed away from the house.
Ensure gas cylinders are upright, secured, and have pressure relief valves facing away from the home.
Remove flammable outdoor furniture, doormats, and hanging baskets during high-risk periods.
Prepare Your Water Supply and Equipment
In the event of a bushfire:
Ensure your hoses are long enough to reach all areas of your property and have metal fittings.
If you’re on tank water, consider a dedicated bushfire water tank with a petrol or diesel-powered pump that doesn’t rely on mains electricity.
Keep buckets, mops, and a ladder on hand for spot fires or ember attacks.
Have at least one dry powder (ABE) fire extinguisher in a clearly accessible location, ideally near outdoor areas or sheds.
Make sure everyone in the household knows how to use it—pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep.
Develop and Practice Your Bushfire Plan
Decide in advance whether you’ll stay and defend or leave early. Discuss your plan with all household members and practice it. The WA government’s My Bushfire Plan web tool or app can help you create a personalized plan.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Your kit should include:
A battery-powered radio and spare batteries.
Charged battery packs for your devices.
First aid supplies.
100% woollen blankets.
Drinking water and non-perishable food.
Protective clothing (long-sleeved shirts, pants, sturdy shoes).
Head protection and goggles.
Smoke and particle masks (P2 or N95).
Important documents (passports, insurance, ID) and cash.
Store your kit in an easily accessible location and ensure everyone knows where it is.
Invest in a Backup Power Supply
Power outages in Perth are common during bushfire season—whether from fire damage or planned safety shutdowns. Having a reliable backup power source means you can keep essentials like your fridge, lights, and devices running when the grid goes down.
You’ve got two main options:
Traditional Generators: Petrol or diesel generators are affordable and effective but require fuel storage, regular maintenance, and proper ventilation. In bushfire-prone areas, storing fuel safely is an added concern.
Solar Generators: A modern solar generator pairs portable solar panels (to capture sunlight) with a portable power station (to store energy for later use). They’re clean, quiet, plug-and-play, and low-maintenance—ideal for emergency home use.
One standout option is the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station. It starts with a 1024Wh capacity, enough to power everyday essentials for a few hours, and can expand up to 3040Wh with add-on batteries.
1800W continuous output powers over 90% of home appliances—fridges, microwaves, kettles.
Plug in up to 13 devices at once.
Fast AC charging: 0–100% in just 80 minutes.
Solar charging: Recharge in as little as 2.3 hours with EcoFlow solar panels.
EPS mode switches on automatically during a blackout.
Thanks to its LiFePO4 battery, DELTA 2 lasts for years—over 3000 charge cycles before hitting 80% capacity. It's a smart, long-term backup for bushfire season and beyond.
Maintain Access for Emergency Services
Make sure your home is easy for firefighters to access:
Clearly mark your street number.
Keep driveways clear and wide enough for emergency vehicles.
Unlock gates if there’s a threat nearby.
Tips for Traveling During Bushfire Season
Planning a road trip or holiday around WA during summer? While it’s a great time to explore, bushfire season can bring sudden road closures, smoke hazards, and potential evacuations—especially in regional or remote areas. Here’s how to travel safely and avoid getting caught out:
Check Fire Danger Ratings and Weather Forecasts
Before setting out, consult the Emergency WA website or app for up-to-date fire danger ratings and weather conditions. Avoid traveling through areas with high or extreme fire danger ratings.
Stay Informed About Local Conditions
Listen to local ABC radio stations for real-time updates on bushfires and weather alerts. You can also use the ABC Listen App to stream broadcasts relevant to your location.
Plan Your Route and Have Alternatives
Research your travel route in advance, identifying areas prone to bushfires. Have alternative routes planned in case of road closures or emergencies.
Inform Others of Your Travel Plans
Share your itinerary with friends or family, including your expected arrival times and destinations. This ensures someone is aware of your whereabouts in case of an emergency.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Carry an emergency kit that includes:
A battery-powered radio
Spare batteries
First aid supplies
100% woollen blankets
Drinking water and snacks
Protective clothing (long-sleeved shirts, pants, sturdy shoes)
Head protection and goggles
Smoke and particle masks
A map of the local area
Be Aware of Fire Bans and Restrictions
Check for any fire bans or restrictions in the areas you plan to visit. During total fire bans, activities like lighting campfires or using certain cooking equipment may be prohibited.
Know the Location of Neighbourhood Safer Places
Identify Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSPs) along your route—these are locations designated as a last resort during a bushfire. Information about NSPs can be found on local council websites or through the Emergency WA website.
What Should You Do During a Bushfire to Stay Safe?
If you find yourself in a bushfire-affected area, taking prompt and informed actions can significantly increase your safety. Here’s what you should do:
Stay Informed
Monitor official sources like the Emergency WA website/app and local ABC radio stations for real-time updates on the bushfire’s status and any evacuation orders.
Follow Your Bushfire Survival Plan
If you have a bushfire survival plan, implement it immediately. Decide whether to stay and defend your property (only if it’s well-prepared and you are capable) or to evacuate early to a safer location.
If Evacuating, Do So Early
Leaving early is the safest option. Do not wait until the fire is close, as conditions can change rapidly, making evacuation routes dangerous or impassable.
If Staying, Prepare Your Home
If you choose to stay:
Close all doors and windows to prevent embers from entering.
Fill sinks, bathtubs, and buckets with water for firefighting.
Keep woollen blankets and protective clothing accessible.
Choose a room with at least two exits and a water supply.
Stay away from windows, stay low or lie flat on the ground where the air is cooler and less smoky, and keep a close watch for any signs of fire entering the home.
Stay inside until the fire front has passed.
If You’re Caught on the Road
Do not drive through smoke or fire. Visibility drops quickly and roads may be blocked by fallen trees or emergency crews.
Look for a solid structure like a roadhouse or building. If that’s not possible, stay in your vehicle—park in a cleared area, face the car towards the fire, turn off the engine, and lie low below the windows under a woollen blanket.
Stay calm and wait for the danger to pass. Fires often move quickly. Once the front has passed, conditions may improve, and you can reassess your next move.
After the Fire Front Passes
Once the main fire front has moved on:
Check your property for spot fires, including in the roof space and under the house.
Continue to monitor official sources for updates.
Do not return to evacuated areas until authorities declare it safe.
Conclusion
Bushfires are a real part of life in Perth, but with the right knowledge and a bit of planning, you can reduce your risk and stay safe. Whether you’re at home, on the road, or just keeping an eye on local alerts, being bushfire-ready is all about staying informed and acting early.
We hope this guide has given you the confidence to prepare, protect, and respond during bushfire Perth season. Keep it bookmarked, share it with others, and most importantly—stay safe out there.
FAQs
How to report a Perth bushfire?
If you see a fire or smoke and it’s not already being attended to, call 000 (Triple Zero) immediately. Try to give clear details about the location, size of the fire, and any nearby landmarks. Even small fires can spread quickly, so don’t assume someone else has already called.
What’s included in a bushfire emergency kit?
A bushfire emergency kit should include water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, a flashlight, chargers and power banks, N95 or P2 masks, 100% woollen blankets, important documents, protective clothing, cash, and a battery-powered radio. It’s also a good idea to add personal medications and anything you’d need for pets or children.
What are the warning signs that a bushfire is approaching?
Warning signs of an approaching bushfire include the smell of smoke in the air, visible flames or smoke on the horizon, rising temperatures, strong winds, unusual animal behaviour, a darkening sky due to ash and smoke, a roaring noise from the fire front, and emergency vehicles or alerts on local radio or your phone.