Dardy brigade fired up for season

With weather conditions already similar to December last year, volunteer bushfire brigades around the South West are continuing to warn people to be prepared.

According to Dardanup volunteer officers, the high soil-drying index and recent high temperatures are not what the region would usually experience in October.

Career and volunteer brigades around the State are joining forces with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services throughout 'Are You Ready?' Bushfire Action Month, which began on October 1.

Every brigade in the Shire of Dardanup kicked off the month of campaigning at the LiveLighter Dardanup Bull and Barrel Festival on Saturday.

But Dardanup volunteer bushfire brigade chief Chris Hynes said the campaign would continue into November due to the higher threat of bushfires in the South West.

He said homeowners could not be prepared enough for unpredictable bushfires.

"What we don't want to see is people making last-minute decisions because they haven't prepared," Mr Hynes said.

He said in his 27 years' experience in the bushfire service he had too often seen people underestimate the risks.

Being prepared is "as easy" as having a bushfire survival plan, talking to your family and knowing your neighbours, according to Mr Hynes.

"It's also really important to know your fire break notice, abide by that and a lot of situations can be avoided," he said.

Brigades will hold street meets, property walk-throughs and community information sessions throughout DFES Bushfire Action Month.