Volunteer firefighters from the Mullewa Central and Tenindewa Volunteer Bushfire Brigade extinguish a fire on Christmas Eve.

Bushfire season is upon us and City of Greater Geraldton Chief Bushfire Control Officer, Andy Darbyshire, says it’s the perfect time to remind the community to be bushfire safe.

Local fire authorities have been out in full force with several bushfires over the holiday period.

Mr Darbyshire has praised Volunteer firefighters from the Mullewa Central and Tenindewa Volunteer Bushfire Brigade for their tireless efforts in containing a fire which broke out on Christmas Eve.

The bushfire which was sparked by a lighting storm, south west of Mullewa, burnt fiercely for over seven hours until it was contained around1am on Christmas Day.

“The volunteer firefighters did an amazing job in hot and smoky conditions to bring the fast moving fire under control, ensuring it didn’t impact nearby farmland, roads and rail line,” Mr Darbyshire said.

“They worked in challenging conditions including rocky ground, gusty 45km winds and heavy fuel loads of dead scrub and dry grass.”

The firefighters worked in the early hours of Christmas Day to ensure the fire was thoroughly mopped up to prevent re-ignitions or escapes.

More recently, a blaze at an illegal campsite on Saturday caused close to five hectares of bushland to be destroyed and there was another bushfire in Mullewa on Sunday night.

While acknowledging the volunteers’ efforts, Mr Darbyshire reminded the community to be vigilant and safe this bushfire season.

“While our volunteers are well trained and ready to respond to bushfires, everyone needs to play their part by ensuring their family and property are well prepared,” he said.

The community are reminded to do have the correct fire breaks in place, reduce fuel loads around the home, cut long grass and dense scrub, remove all rubbish and rake up leaf litter, twigs, bark and material that may catch fire, maintain a two-metre gap between your house and tree branches and keep gutters free of leaves and other combustible materials.

For more information about how to prepare for bushfires visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au

The community is urged to contact local police if they see any suspicious activity relating to bushfires.