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New Bushfire Mitigation Force Expands Operations Across Perth - Perth, WA
Smart summary
Specialist crews, new machinery and expanded training are strengthening bushfire preparation across Perth and Western Australia.
Western Australia has expanded its bushfire preparation capabilities, with a specialist State Bushfire Mitigation branch now carrying out on-ground work across cities and towns, including Perth.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has announced the expansion as part of a four-year plan designed to build a stronger statewide bushfire mitigation workforce and improve the management of bushfire risks before emergencies occur.
The program includes specialist crews, new equipment and additional training aimed at reducing fuel loads and improving preparedness in areas where DFES has bushfire risk-management responsibilities.
On-ground mitigation work began during the second half of 2025 and is expected to increase as the branch continues expanding its workforce and fleet.
A new operational facility in High Wycombe is supporting the program, providing dedicated office and warehouse space for equipment and machinery.
The growing fleet includes custom-built trailers, woodchippers, slashers and mowers. Further heavy equipment, including loaders and other specialised machinery, is also planned as the program develops.
Crews have received specialist training in areas including chainsaw operation, machinery use and chemical spraying. These skills allow teams to undertake a broader range of bushfire-prevention work across areas where vegetation and fuel loads can increase fire risk.
The work is particularly relevant to Perth as the metropolitan area contains large areas of bushland and vegetation alongside established residential communities. Managing vegetation and maintaining firebreaks can help reduce the potential intensity and spread of bushfires when conditions become dangerous.
DFES said chemical spraying and firebreak maintenance work had been carried out across Perth and Geraldton during the past month.
The expanded bushfire mitigation operation has also been involved in recovery and clean-up work. Earlier this year, crews supported efforts following the severe storm event that affected Perth and other parts of Western Australia, using chainsaws and woodchippers to clear damaged vegetation.
The program is also working with local governments to support the development of Bushfire Risk Management Plans. These plans help identify hazards and establish measures to reduce risks to communities and important infrastructure.
Another part of the initiative involves working with the Department of Education to assess and treat bushfire risks at schools located in high-risk areas.
DFES said the statewide program builds on years of investment in bushfire prevention. Since 2017, more than $74 million has been allocated through the Mitigation Activity Fund Grants Program to 83 local governments, supporting more than 10,000 bushfire mitigation treatments.
The new State Bushfire Mitigation branch represents a further expansion of that work, with dedicated crews and equipment able to undertake mitigation activities directly.
For Perth residents, the increased focus on vegetation management and fire preparation is particularly important ahead of periods when hot, dry and windy conditions can increase bushfire danger.
The announcement was made on September 15, 2026, and represents a current emergency-preparedness development affecting Perth and communities across Western Australia.
BushfireMitigationPerthWorkProgram
Western Australia has expanded its bushfire preparation capabilities, with a specialist State Bushfire Mitigation branch now carrying out on-ground work across cities and towns, including Perth.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has announced the expansion as part of a four-year plan designed to build a stronger statewide bushfire mitigation workforce and improve the management of bushfire risks before emergencies occur.
The program includes specialist crews, new equipment and additional training aimed at reducing fuel loads and improving preparedness in areas where DFES has bushfire risk-management responsibilities.
On-ground mitigation work began during the second half of 2025 and is expected to increase as the branch continues expanding its workforce and fleet.
A new operational facility in High Wycombe is supporting the program, providing dedicated office and warehouse space for equipment and machinery.
The growing fleet includes custom-built trailers, woodchippers, slashers and mowers. Further heavy equipment, including loaders and other specialised machinery, is also planned as the program develops.
Crews have received specialist training in areas including chainsaw operation, machinery use and chemical spraying. These skills allow teams to undertake a broader range of bushfire-prevention work across areas where vegetation and fuel loads can increase fire risk.
The work is particularly relevant to Perth as the metropolitan area contains large areas of bushland and vegetation alongside established residential communities. Managing vegetation and maintaining firebreaks can help reduce the potential intensity and spread of bushfires when conditions become dangerous.
DFES said chemical spraying and firebreak maintenance work had been carried out across Perth and Geraldton during the past month.
The expanded bushfire mitigation operation has also been involved in recovery and clean-up work. Earlier this year, crews supported efforts following the severe storm event that affected Perth and other parts of Western Australia, using chainsaws and woodchippers to clear damaged vegetation.
The program is also working with local governments to support the development of Bushfire Risk Management Plans. These plans help identify hazards and establish measures to reduce risks to communities and important infrastructure.
Another part of the initiative involves working with the Department of Education to assess and treat bushfire risks at schools located in high-risk areas.
DFES said the statewide program builds on years of investment in bushfire prevention. Since 2017, more than $74 million has been allocated through the Mitigation Activity Fund Grants Program to 83 local governments, supporting more than 10,000 bushfire mitigation treatments.
The new State Bushfire Mitigation branch represents a further expansion of that work, with dedicated crews and equipment able to undertake mitigation activities directly.
For Perth residents, the increased focus on vegetation management and fire preparation is particularly important ahead of periods when hot, dry and windy conditions can increase bushfire danger.
The announcement was made on September 15, 2026, and represents a current emergency-preparedness development affecting Perth and communities across Western Australia.
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