Bushfire Preparedness 2025/26
Living amid Armadale’s beautiful bushland offers a unique connection to nature and a shared responsibility to protect our homes and loved ones from bushfire risks. With each season, the threat of bushfires is real.
There is a comprehensive collection of Bushfire and Emergency information on the City's website, but some of the key information has been summarised for you here.
Create Your Bushfire Plan
The City and DFES encourage everyone to spend just 15 minutes crafting a tailored bushfire plan. This plan will help you decide if you will be safe and leave early or be prepared to stay and defend. Whether you choose the online tool or the convenient My Bushfire Plan app, having a clear, easy-to-follow plan ensures your family knows what to do when time matters most.
Know the Fire Danger Rating
Fire Danger Ratings are issued every day and signal the potential severity if a fire starts. The City of Armadale sits within the Swan Inland South and Swan Coastal South fire weather districts. You can check your local fire danger rating via the Emergency WA website or app or website or by observing roadside signage, such as along Albany Highway (Bedfordale) and Brookton Highway (Kelmscott).
Prepare Your Property
Firefighters will be too focused on fighting fires on the frontline to be able to defend your home and property. That’s why property preparedness is critical. Download and complete the Property Preparation Checklist from the DFES site to give your home the best possible chance. Clear gutters, remove flammable materials, and ensure your water sources and access points are ready and accessible. For more information about preparing your property, visit the City's website.
Firebreaks: Your First Line of Defense
A firebreak is a cleared strip free of grass, leaves, and debris that does not end in a dead-end. While it won’t stop a fire, it helps firefighters access your property and slow the spread.
Mandatory dates: Firebreaks and works outlined in the Firebreak and Hazard Reduction Notice must be installed by 1 December and maintained through to 31 March the following year.
Summary of property requirements:
Properties over 5,000 m² must have a firebreak installed around the entire perimeter of the property.
For properties 5,000 m² or less, you must ensure all flammable matter on the entire property (not including living trees, shrubs or plants) does not exceed 5cm in height.
On all properties, buildings must have gutters, roofs and walls clear of inflammable matter.
Variations: If you are unable to meet the property requirements outlined in the Firebreak and Hazard Reduction Notice, you should submit your application to vary by 1 October.
Compliance: City Rangers will start conducting annual property inspections from 1 December. Non-compliance may result in penalties, but more importantly may put your property and community at risk.
For more information on firebreaks or to get the answers to our FAQs, visit the Firebreak and Hazard Reduction section of our website.
Burning Off? Know Your Permit Requirements
Burning garden waste, trees, or shrubs during restricted periods? You’ll need a Fire Permit:
Apply at the City’s Administration office (Mon, Wed, Fri, 3–4 pm), or
Complete the form available on the City’s website at least three (3) business days before your planned burn.
For more information on burning restrictions and permits or to get the answers to our FAQs, visit the burning restrictions, permits to burn and hazard reduction burns section of our website.
In Summary...
Plan: Spend 15 minutes creating your household bushfire plan.
Prepare: Install and maintain firebreaks and ready your property using the DFES checklist. Follow permit rules for burning and be aware of the daily Fire Danger Rating.
Act: Watch for any emergency warnings and know your plan so you can act early.
Thank you for playing your part in keeping our City and community safe.
