Special conditions have been declared for the Shire of Augusta Margaret River local government area as a result of strong winds and unpredictable weather forecast for this weekend.

Under section 46 (1A) of the Bush Fires Act the Shire of Augusta Margaret River has hereby prohibited the lighting of any fire in the open air and direct all owners or occupiers of land to extinguish (where possible) any fire burning on the land from 1300hrs (1pm) on Friday 22 May 2020 until 2000hrs (8pm) on Monday 25 May 2020 inclusive, for the whole of the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.

The issuing of a Section 46 notice under the Bush Fires Act (1954) effective immediately:

Prohibits lighting of any fire in the open air Prohibits the introduction of any fuel into any existing fire in the open air Requires where possible the extinguishment of any existing fire in the open air Requires the securing of the boundaries and effective monitoring of any existing fires for the period of the section 46 notice

Shire of Augusta Margaret River Community Emergency Services Manager Mr. Adam Jasper has advised that DFES will be enforcing a state-wide Total Fire Ban effective midnight tonight through to midnight Sunday which should be released at 1600hrs (4pm) this afternoon.

“This action has been taken in preparation of the expected severe weather over the weekend with the peak expected sometime Sunday afternoon”

“Community safety is our top priority and we want to ensure all precautions are taken to avoid any fire incidents occurring, particularly with the expected influx of visitors over the weekend”, he said.

For up to date information on emergency advice in the state please visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au