Sea containers to house mobile fire operation units

• 12 new mobile incident control offices to assist WA firefighting agencies
• Offices to be deployed for major multi-agency bushfires 

A dozen new mobile incident control offices will assist Western Australia's firefighting agencies during the coming bushfire season.

The 12 custom-fitted sea containers will provide much-needed space for planning, logistics and operations during a bushfire. They will be sited at pre-determined, safe locations near an emergency event.

Environment Minister Bill Marmion said the air-conditioned and dust-free mobile incident control offices had been decked out with transportable high tech gear based on lessons learned from previous seasons.

"For the last two years, the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has hired 12 containers about half a dozen times a year which have produced great results but there were a number of features that could be improved," Mr Marmion said.

"Previously, fire agencies were forced to carry a big cache box that was completely full, but now the equipment is permanently fixed to the mobile offices.  This significantly lessens the load when travelling to a bushfire.

"The 6 by 2.4m offices are designed to assist the many people who carry out work behind the scenes during bushfires and include one for the incident controller, two for people looking after resources and two designated for public information and media liaison.

"Incident control teams used to operate in difficult locations like on the bonnet of vehicles, which was always a challenge, so this will ensure they have the tools they need such as white boards, USB ports for quick information transfer and desk space."

The Minister said the mobile incident control offices were available to DEC, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and local government for large-scale bushfires managed by multiple agencies.

"All of us in WA have a shared responsibility for managing and preparing for bushfires," he said.

"The offices have been specifically designed to meet the needs of all agencies so professionals and volunteers can work together to effectively protect lives, property and the environment."

      Fact File

• Offices can be deployed and set up within hours

• Offices will be stored at three locations across the metropolitan area and South-West

• Photo attached 

Minister's office - 6552 6800