As WA heads into peak bushfire season, Section 95 (S95) minimum security prisoners have been training to keep water bombers in the air and give firefighters on the ground the best chance of stopping dangerous blazes.
The initiative to protect the community is part of a long-term partnership between the Department of Justice and Parks and Wildlife Service from the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions.
S95 workers from Bunbury Regional Prison and Karnet Prison have been put through their paces at the Dunsborough Airstrip, alongside SES and Parks and Wildlife Service crews, learning to reload planes with water and fire-retardant foam.
It can be gruelling work, with up to six aircraft operating out of the airstrip during a major bushfire, requiring constant loading from first to last light.
“Having that help is a huge relief,” said Parks and Wildlife Service Senior Aviation Officer Bradley Bourke. “We try to have as many of our staff on the fire ground as possible so that extra resource is very important to us.”
“We need them to be proficient and safe at what they do to keep us in the air,” Parks and Wildlife Service Pilot Neil said. “Most of the guys have done it before and are very good at it.”
The efficient teamwork is critical to supporting Department of Fire and Emergency Services, local brigades and Parks and Wildlife Service firefighters on the ground.
“It’s all about the firefighters who are doing the major work, we’re just helping them out,” Parks and Wildlife Service Aerial Detection Pilot, Mitch said. “But when you’ve got a good crew reloading on the ground things work smoothly – and without them, it just doesn’t work.”
“We treat them as a part of our team,” Bradley Bourke said. “It’s a tremendous partnership that works really well.”
“That’s what Karnet is all about,” the Prison Farm’s Superintendent Andrea Bowen said. “It’s giving back to the community which is a great boost for the prisoners.”
“This is an actual tangible approach to rehabilitation,” one S95 worker agreed. “Being able to physically give back, you do have a sense you’re protecting the community.
“We’ve got family out there as well, so it’s definitely worthwhile and we all get a lot out of it.”
