Under a long-running agreement between the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the Department of Justice, a network of correctional facilities supports WA’s extensive fire mitigation and readiness program.
FES Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM said select minimum-security prisoners and prison staff had undergone fire mitigation training and were providing a vital community service.
“Their work helps reduce the risk of bushfires and goes a long way to helping keep the community safe,” Commissioner Klemm said.
Mitigation jobs include cutting back trees and bush on State-controlled land to create fire or separation breaks, servicing fire hydrants, maintaining fencing and equipment and fabricating and installing signage and gates.
“Under the provisions of the agreement, the prisoners and staff can also be mobilised to carry out loading and reloading of water bombers, freeing up our firefighters to battle bushfires when they break out,” he said.
“The collaboration with the DoJ contributes to DFES performing its critical role of preventing and co-ordinating the preparation and response to emergencies including bushfires.”
Corrective Services Commissioner Mike Reynolds said Section 95 of the Prisons Act allowed low-risk, specially screened minimum-security prisoners to work outside prison boundaries on fire mitigation duties and general maintenance for the community.
“The Department’s arrangement with DFES delivers benefits to the community while developing job-ready skills for the prisoners to assist their rehabilitation and reintegration,” he said.
The bushfire mitigation program and water-bomber operations are supported by staff and prisoners at Karnet Prison Farm, Bunbury Regional Prison, Pardelup Prison Farm and Walpole Work Camp.
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