Latest news with #DepartmentofFireandEmergencyServices
West Australian
01-06-2025
- General
- West Australian
New statistics released by DFES on Smoke Alarm Action Day show most burnt properties did not have alarms
More than half of WA properties engulfed by fire in the past year did not have a smoke alarm installed, shocking new statistics have revealed. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services released the figures on the first day of winter — which is also Smoke Alarm Action Day — in a warning for property owners to install and regularly test smoke alarms. Winter is typically the busiest time for house fires. There have been more than 1100 structure fires (782 in homes) since July 2024, a rate of more than three a day. Smoke alarms were fitted in less than 43 per cent of those fire-affected properties. According to DFES Deputy Commissioner Craig Waters, a fire can take off in seconds and engulf a room in minutes, trapping occupants and cutting off escape routes. 'At night, we lose our sense of smell, so a smoke alarm is an essential detection device to help save lives and can be the difference between a close escape and a catastrophe,' he said. 'If you don't have a smoke alarm or you're not regularly cleaning them or checking that your smoke alarms are in working order, you may be putting the lives of your loved ones at risk.' The need for working smoke alarms is also much higher for people in rural and regional areas who are further from emergency services. Research also shows that many people understand smoke alarms are a legal requirement in WA, but are not aware of the need to maintain the proper function of the devices. Mr Waters urged property owners to take five minutes to test smoke alarms and clean away dust and cobwebs. 'If your smoke alarm has a replaceable battery, change it every year,' he added. 'A beeping or chirping smoke alarm means a low battery or fault within you smoke alarm. 'All smoke alarms, regardless of type, must be replaced every 10 years.' He also encouraged property owners to install heat alarms in garages where lithium-ion devices are charged and 'highly destructive fires can start with little warning'.
Perth Now
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Traffic warning after serious motorcycle crash
Emergency crews are at the scene of the serious crash this afternoon. Credit: Main Roads / X Jessica Evensen The West Australian Emergency services are responding to a serious motorcycle crash on Canning Highway. WA Police, St John WA and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services rushed to the scene after reports of a crash between a motorcycle and car at the intersection of Canning Highway and Berwick Street, Victoria Park, about 2.20pm on Wednesday. The male rider has serious injuries. Canning Highway westbound at Berwick Street has been closed, while Canning Highway eastbound has been reduced to a single lane. Main Roads has reported heavy traffic with drivers warned to avoid the area.
West Australian
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
Hines Hill chemical spill: Great Eastern Highway blocked off after trailed detaches from truck
Firefighters are responding to an unfolding emergency in Hines Hill, where chemicals have spilled onto Great Eastern Highway after a trailer detached from a truck. The West Australian understands the trailer was carrying ammonium nitrate — a chemical compound commonly used as a fertiliser and in explosives in the mining industry — when it came loose near Neening Road on Monday afternoon. Crews from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services are at the scene of the spill, as well as multiple other agencies. Road blocks have been put up around a 3km exclusion zone, with reports of the white crystalline salt leaking from the upturned trailer. More to come.
Perth Now
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Major WA highway blocked off after chemical spill
Crews from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services are at the scene of the spill, as well as multiple other agencies. Credit: Supplied Sarah Steger The West Australian Firefighters are responding to an unfolding emergency in Hines Hill, where chemicals have spilled onto Great Eastern Highway after a trailer detached from a truck. The West Australian understands the trailer was carrying ammonium nitrate — a chemical compound commonly used as a fertiliser and in explosives in the mining industry — when it came loose near Neening Road on Monday afternoon. Crews from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services are at the scene of the spill, as well as multiple other agencies. Road blocks have been put up around a 3km exclusion zone, with reports of the white crystalline salt leaking from the upturned trailer. More to come.
West Australian
15-05-2025
- West Australian
Police charge 23-year-old for allegedly setting fire at Graham Bricknell Memorial Music Shell in Bunbury
Bunbury detectives have charged a 23-year-old man after he allegedly set a fire at the Graham Bricknell Memorial Music Shell — which caused around $100,000 worth of damage. It is alleged about 8.30pm on May 13, the accused set fire to various items stored next to the building. The fire spread, scorching the building's walls and destroying a shopping trolley, a large glass feature, and an electrical box. A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said two crews were sent to battle the blaze. 'They found a shopping trolley full of rubbish alight that had been pushed against the wall of a switchboard,' the spokesperson said. The Bunbury man was charged with criminal damage by fire, and faced the Bunbury Magistrates Court on May 15. The public women's toilets at Queens Gardens were also 'extensively vandalised' on the same night, though the 23-year-old is not charged in relation to this separate incident. The City of Bunbury condemned both incidents in a social media post. 'We are deeply disappointed and strongly condemn the senseless acts of vandalism that have occurred overnight at two prominent locations within our beautiful city,' it said. 'It is with disappointment that we let our community know of extensive damage caused by fire at the Graham Bricknell Memorial Music Shell. 'The area has been fenced off and will remain closed until further notice. 'We are also assessing the damage and the impact this will have on upcoming, popular community events, including the Walk for Reconciliation. 'These acts of vandalism are not only criminal offences, but also demonstrate a blatant disregard for our community spaces and the resources intended for the benefit of all residents and visitors. 'The financial burden of these repairs, coupled with the disruption to public amenities and community spaces, is significant and ultimately impacts every member of our community.'
