Latest CALM records show city fires double

10/6/99
The incidence of bush fires in the metropolitan region attended by the Department of Conservation and Land Management's Perth District was a record 204 in the latest fire season, Environment Minister and Kingsley MLA Cheryl Edwardes said today.
"Figures compiled by CALM's Perth District reveal that crews attended 204 fires during the season compared with a general average of around 110 fires a year," Mrs Edwardes said.
"The fire fighting effort involved a total of 9500 man hours or the equivalent of 40 man hours a day since the first fire was detected in early October.
"Of the 204 fires attended by CALM, more than half were in, or threatened the pine plantations between Wanneroo and Yanchep.
"The single biggest of these fires was 2.5ha, while most of them were limited to less than one hectare. This compares with 1994, when more than 1,000ha of pines was burned in an intense summer wildfire.
"This is a remarkable achievement.
"It reflects the co-ordinated approach CALM maintains throughout the district by the use of strategic prescribed burns, lookout towers, spotter aircraft, the rapid deployment of fire crews, aerial fire fighting and the support from volunteer bush fire brigades, the Fire and Rescue Service and the Bush Fire Service."
The Minister said 44 of the fires were in regional parks. The biggest reached 26ha before it was contained.
"A disturbing aspect is that 187 of the fires CALM attended were known or suspected to have been deliberately lit," she said.
"Earlier this year, CALM and the Joondalup Police District combined in a joint effort - Operation Pinaster - to combat arson in the pine plantations, resulting in the apprehension of several offenders seeking to torch stolen cars.
"This operation will be repeated at random intervals as part of the State Government's efforts to crack down on crime, particularly activities involving stolen vehicles," Mrs Edwardes said.
Media contacts: Ministerial Steve Manchee 9321 6400
CALM Rick Sneeuwjagt 9334 0375