In collaboration with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), the prisoners remove what’s known as ladder fuels – woody weeds and undergrowth – to reduce fire fuels and the impact of bushfires.
The teams consist of minimum-security prisoners, who have been screened and approved for community work under supervision.
Vocational Support Officer (VSO) Garry says the prisoners take the fire mitigation job very seriously.
“It’s hard work, but the men take pride in their effort, knowing it’s going to help lessen the fire risk for residents.”
When the site is small, about half a hectare, mechanical fuel reduction is preferred over planned burning.
The prisoners are also taught how to work with tools like chainsaws, pole saws and woodchippers, and receive training in the safe use of chemicals like herbicides.
“This training is all delivered to a national unit of competency. It qualifies them to work in a range of jobs when they’re released from prison,” said VSO Garry.
DFES manages about 400 parcels of fire prone land in the Shire of Mundaring alone.
The vegetation which is collected is chipped and either returned to the bush, or composted to be used as mulch in gardens.
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