Sussex Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade

04/05/2026

Today is international Firefighters day.

A day where we are all are invited to remember the past firefighters who have died while serving our community and dedicated their lives to protecting the safety of us all.

Together, We can all show our support and appreciation to the firefighters who continue to protect us so well throughout the year, regardless of where they may be, or what service they are part of, we show our gratitude to all firefighters worldwide and for their efforts to keep us all safe.

Today, on International Firefighters' Day, we pause to honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and to pay tribute to the courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of firefighters.

These moving words are a fitting tribute to the brave individuals who put themselves in harm's way to protect our communities - we express our deepest gratitude to all firefighters for your service.

01/05/2026

If you're interested in volunteering and live in the Busselton, Geographe, and Yalyalup areas, consider joining us at Sussex BFB!

Based in Reinscourt, we are always on the look out for keen and enthusiastic individuals to join our ranks and become part of the broader bush firefighting community.

We have both firefighting and support roles available, so if your not sure and want some more information, flick us a DM! we'd love to hear from you!

Express your interest today and we'll be in touch!
Firefighter: https://dfes.vol.org.au/opportunity?opp=239536
Auxiliary / Support Members: https://dfes.vol.org.au/opportunity?opp=239537

26/03/2026

If your coming to the Busselton Bunnings easter event tonight, dont forget to bring some change! We have an easter egg raffle going on to help raise some funds for the brigade!

Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5! Given how much easter cost, this could be a bargain!

We are also on the lookout for new members in both active firefighting, and non active support roles. So if you're interested, come have a chat to us and we can give you a bit more info! Otherwise click on the link below to find out more and submit an EOI.

We hope to see you there!

firefighting roles - https://dfes.vol.org.au/opportunity?opp=239536
Auxillary support roles (administrative and maintainence based roles) - https://dfes.vol.org.au/opportunity?opp=239537

27/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dy9MQ5Ffi/

February 28 is National Thank a Firey Day

What do you do for Thank a Firey Day?

🚨 Wear red?
🚒Put up a thank you sign?
🧯Tie something red to your gate or letterbox?
❤️ Donate to your local brigade?

13/02/2026

Safe Tradies & DIY – reduce the risk

Fire risks from welding, grinding & outdoor hot works

• Sparks from welding, grinding, or cutting can ignite dry grass, leaf litter, or nearby materials within seconds.
• Avoid undertaking hot works on days with High Fire Danger Ratings or above.
• Always clear the area of flammable materials before starting work.
• Keep firefighting equipment close by. A hose, extinguisher or water source can stop a small spark becoming a fire.
• Stay at least 30 minutes after finishing to check for hidden smouldering spots.
• If the weather becomes hot, windy, or dry, postpone your work. Conditions can change rapidly.

DFES permits & safety guidelines

• Some hot works require a permit depending on the location, time of year and local fire conditions.
• Check DFES and local government guidelines before starting any hot work outdoors.
• Ensure everyone on site understands the conditions of the permit, including supervision, spark control, and suppression equipment.
• On a Total Fire Ban Day, it is illegal to light an open-air fire or conduct any activity that could start a fire. For a full list of prohibited activities, visit the DFES website.

Safe use of power tools & lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium ion batteries are increasingly linked to house and shed fires.
• Always use the charger supplied with the device.
• Charge batteries on hard, non flammable surfaces, away from sleeping areas.
• Replace damaged, swollen, or overheating batteries immediately.
• Don’t leave tools or batteries in hot vehicles or direct sunlight.
• Store batteries away from flammable liquids and materials.

Let’s take action this month!

• Stay aware: Check Fire Danger Ratings daily through Emergency WA.
• Use tools safely: Choose cooler times of day for outdoor work and avoid high risk weather.
• Refresh your plan: Does your household know what to do if a fire starts while you’re working outside?
• Check in with your community: Support tradies, hobbyists, and neighbours by sharing safe work messages.
• Seek support: Your local CPA or the Community Preparedness Directorate can assist with resources or engagement ideas.

Every safe decision you make while working outdoors helps protect your home, your neighbours, and your community.

24/12/2025

A Harvest and Vehicle movement ban is in place for Xmas day within the City of Busselton..
so if you get a shiny new chainsaw, dirtbike, or petrol mower... you'll just have to wait a little bit longer to take it for a whirl ;)

Stay safe this holiday season! 🎅🏻🎄

𝗛𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗻 – 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟱 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝟵.𝟬𝟬𝗮𝗺 - 𝟱.𝟬𝟬𝗽𝗺

Activities NOT permitted during the ban:
❌Harvesting operations are not permitted.
❌Any off-road activity is banned, regardless of whether it is for agricultural purposes or work being conducted by business, industry and public authorities.
❌Off-road includes areas such as paddocks, bushland, uncleared land and land with stubble or long grass.
❌Off-road activity includes the use of anything activated by an internal combustion engine used off-road e.g. motor bikes, quad bikes, excavators, chain saws, ride on lawn mowers and generators.
❌Road works using machinery.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Protecting life and property is our priority. For more information please visit - https://www.busselton.wa.gov.au/resident/fire-and-emergency-services/sms-notification-for-.aspx

23/12/2025

Heads up!

Christmas Day is forecasted for Extreme Fire Danger ratings in most local government areas in the Lower South West region. So what should we do?

- Download Emergency WA app and create your Emergency Plan (See Emergency WA/My hub/Resources)
- Set up a watch zone around your property in Emergency WA app so you are notified if a bushfire warning is issued for your area
- If a fire starts, take immediate action. If you and your property are not prepared to the highest level, plan to leave early
- Pack your emergency kit and have it handy
- Remember to plan for your pets, horses and livestock

22/12/2025

Thank you for your support - Santa’s Christmas Lolly Run 2025

Santa’s annual visit to the Yalyalup Estates is done and dusted for another year. Santa really loved seeing all the happy children and their parents as he travelled around the estates. He looks forward to seeing you again next year!

Thank you to our Brigade members for continuing to support this annual community event and volunteering their time over and above their regular bush firefighting volunteering. Great effort team.

We would also like to thank all Yalyalup residents who donated their time, lollies and cash, which helped make this year's event a great success.

A special thanks this year to the South West Community College students who filled close to 600 lolly bags for Santa. Santa’s helpers really appreciated your support.

We would also like to thank the following local businesses for their ongoing support and very generous donations:

• Yolk Property Group (Embark Busselton)
• Officeworks (Busselton
• Coles (Busselton),
• Bunnings (Busselton), and
• Weeds and Seeds Garden Maintenance

Without the support of our local businesses, this event would not be the success it is.

We would also like to take this opportunity to invite any interested persons to join our Brigade in 2026. We need new members so the Brigade can continue to respond to local bushfire emergency situations in a timely manner.

For more information, contact Mark Smith on 0439989203, or email [email protected], or message us via our page @
Sussex Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade

19/12/2025

Santa is Coming!
Hello everyone. Just a reminder that Santa is coming to our estates this Sunday (21 Dec) afternoon, arriving in Provence/Embark between 4:30pm and 5:00pm. Santa looks forward to seeing all the children and their parents as he rides on the fire truck through Provence, Via Vasse, Willow Grove and parts of Reinscourt Estates.
Although every attempt will be made towards making this event a success, the Brigade's appliances are operational assets and if necessary, we may be required to leave the event at short notice to attend a bush fire emergency situation. The Brigade asks parents for their understanding if that occurs.
For children safety, Santa asks that parents please ensure children practice good road safety as he approaches their location, including keeping a safe distance from the side, front and behind his truck and supporting vehicles.
A map of Santa’s route through the estates is finalised and is posted below. Although Santa is attempting to ensure the greatest coverage possible during his visit, our estates have grown considerably since last year’s visit so his route through the estates has changed and unfortunately not all streets visited in previous years will be included this year. If your street is not on his route, we encourage families to make their way to a convenient spot closest to them, so Santa can bring smiles to the greatest number of children.
Although this has not been a problem in previous years, we have been contacted by the City and some residents regarding water fights and the throwing of water balloons. Unfortunately, a public liability or Work Health and Safety issue may arise if a member of the public or a member of our brigade is injured during such an occurrence. We have been instructed to stop the Santa run until throwing water balloons has stop, which means children will miss out on lollies and the great experience of seeing Santa on the fire truck.
Furthermore, Santa’s vehicles will have their warning beacons (Strobing lights) on and periodically sounding their sirens as they move around the estates. If you or any member of your family, including your animals, are affected by strobing lights or loud sounds can you please let us know so we can take appropriate action to minimise any discomfort as we pass by.
Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday afternoon!

Sussex Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade

14/12/2025

A total fireban has been declared across a large section of the state for tomorrow including local governments as far north as northampton as far east as Yilgarn and as far south as ravensthorpe. This also includes our district City of Busselton in the SW.

The total fire ban in in effect for the whole day from midnight on 15 December 2025

Whilst the total fire ban is in effect, you must not:
❌️ Light, maintain or use a fire in the open air, and/or
❌️ Carry out any activity that could start a fire

This includes:
> Open fires for the purpose of cooking, camping or outdoor entertainment (including fire pits, solid fuel BBQ'S and bonfires). 🔥
> Hot work such as metal work, grinding, welding, gas cutting is not allowed in the open air (except for business and industry - if regulatory conditions are met). 🥽
> Any Off-road activity using a four-wheel drive, quad bike, motorcycle, bobcat or similar vehicle, except for agricultural purposes or by business and industry (if regulatory conditions are met). 🚙
> If a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban has been imposed by your local government, off-road activity for agriculture or business and industry including harvesting is banned. 🚜 Exceptions are made for essential services.🚒 🚔 🚑 ⚡️💧

To check if this applies to you, visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au/

A list of activities that can or cannot be carried out during a Total Fire Ban and conditions can be found at dfes.wa.gov.au/totalfirebans or by telephoning the Total Fire Ban Information Line on 1800 709 355.