Western Australia’s Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades have shared in more than $95,000 from the state’s electricity network operator to strengthen their preparedness for the 2014-15 bushfire season.
Western Power chief executive officer Paul Italiano said the grants would be used by the local brigades to purchase medical equipment, water tanks and pumps, among other resources.
Since 2007 Western Power has contributed more than $570,000 to communities through the annual grants program to help equip volunteer firefighters. The corporation has also joined other Western Australian emergency services in supporting the Are You Bushfire Ready? community safety campaign to help locals prepare themselves and their properties for possible bushfires.
“Preparing for the summer fire season is a team effort, which is why Western Power continues to invest in community projects to help everyone to be bushfire ready,” Mr Italiano said.
“Western Power works throughout the year to reduce the risk of bushfire by clearing vegetation away from the network, washing and silicone coating pole top equipment and replacing ageing electricity infrastructure.”
