A WA parliamentary question investigates roadside fires near Derby Highway, inquiring if FESA was involved or aware of their origin. The Minister clarifies that Local Government issued permits for the fires, absolving FESA of direct responsibility.

AnsweredQoN 830Legislative Council
Asked
10 June 2003
Portfolio
Police and Emergency Services

QuestionView source ↗

With regards to the fires shown on the photograph taken at 1500 hrs on Wednesday, May 28 2003 on the Derby Highway opposite the turn-off to the R.A.A.F Curtin Airbase displayed on
http:\\www.mp.wa.gov.au/rchapple/issues/kimberley/fires.html
on the road verge -
(1) Can the Minister advise if these fires were started by FESA?
(2) If no to (1), can the Minister advise if they were started with the knowledge and permission of FESA?
(3) If yes to (2), will the Minister provide details of who started these fires and what was the basis of this permission?
(4) If no to (2), has FESA investigated who started these fires?
(5) If no to (4), why not?
(6) If no to (4), will FESA investigate who started these fires with a view to prosecution?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
8 August 2003
Responded by
Minister for Racing and Gaming representing the Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Response time
59 days
(1) The fires were not started by FESA. (2) No. (FESA does not authorise the lighting of fires. Under the Bush Fires Act 1954 Local Governments are responsible for authorising and controlling the lighting of fires by issuing “Permits to Burn”.) (3) Not applicable. (4) Yes, Local Government issued permits to the land holder. Permit 162309 for the period of 14th to 28th May 2003, and permit 162316 for the period 31 May to 2 June 2003. (5 – 6) Not applicable.
(2) No. (FESA does not authorise the lighting of fires. Under the Bush Fires Act 1954 Local Governments are responsible for authorising and controlling the lighting of fires by issuing “Permits to Burn”.) (3) Not applicable. (4) Yes, Local Government issued permits to the land holder. Permit 162309 for the period of 14th to 28th May 2003, and permit 162316 for the period 31 May to 2 June 2003. (5 – 6) Not applicable.
(3) Not applicable. (4) Yes, Local Government issued permits to the land holder. Permit 162309 for the period of 14th to 28th May 2003, and permit 162316 for the period 31 May to 2 June 2003. (5 – 6) Not applicable.
(4) Yes, Local Government issued permits to the land holder. Permit 162309 for the period of 14th to 28th May 2003, and permit 162316 for the period 31 May to 2 June 2003. (5 – 6) Not applicable.
(5 – 6) Not applicable.

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