Department of Fire and Emergency Services South West Supt Peter Norman has urged the community to be prepared as the official start of the bushfire season kicked off on Wednesday.

“On a hot and windy day, it only takes one bushfire to spark and rapidly spread, potentially causing lifelong heartache,” Supt Norman said.

He said it was vital for people to discuss if they would leave early or stay and defend their property.

“Last season there were over 260 fires in the South West, burning through more than 350ha,” he said.

“A bushfire can be one of most traumatic events you will experience in your life, with day turning to night, smoke burning your eyes and it sounding like the roar of a jet engine going over.

“DFES has developed a suite of tools to step people through their Fire Chat and the development of a bushfire survival plan.

“Anyone who lives near bushland needs to have a Fire Chat with their family and housemates to determine when you will know to leave, where you will go and which way you will go if you’re threatened by a bushfire.

“The single biggest killer is indecision – knowing what to do in a bushfire is vital.”

Other key tasks include preparing properties by trimming trees, cutting long grass, clearing gutters and removing any debris from around the home and packing an emergency kit.

Click here to download Fire Chat and create a bushfire plan.