The minimum-security prisoners, on Section 95 community work duties under staff supervision, have so far been on 12 call-outs.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) manages WA’s water bomber fleet and the annual training of prisoners at a number of correctional facilities.
Skills the prisoners and prison staff volunteers acquire include loading the planes with water, foam and fire retardant.
Sparked by lightning strikes, the recent bushfires in the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup burnt through thousands of hectares of property.
Hundreds of firefighters were required to combat and eventually contain the blazes.
Trained prison staff and 10 minimum-security prisoners from the Bunbury facility also responded to the call-outs.
Assistant Superintendent Shane Dowell said the prison officers and select prisoners were deployed to fill up water bombers or “air tractors” that support the ground crews.
“We had up to eight planes at a time and you are certainly kept on the go,” said Assistant Superintendent Dowell, who co-ordinates Bunbury prison’s emergency services assistance. “Normally it is three or four planes at the most.”
"Teamwork was vital to safely and efficiently getting the water bombers ready in timely fashion under the pressure of responding to threatening bushfires,” he said.
“Through their firefighting support work the prisoners are not only helping deliver an essential service to the community but also developing skills that may help them when released.”
Minimum-security prisoners from Walpole Work Camp and Karnet Prison Farm have also contributed to DBCA’s water-bomber response and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ (DFES) bushfire-readiness activities.
Walpole Officer John “Jock” Murray has led the camp’s firefighting support unit for almost four years.
Nine Walpole prisoners recently completed reloading training while others undertook a refresher course.
“Perhaps most importantly the prisoners learn how to work as part of a team,” Mr Murray said.
“It is actually a very enjoyable exercise and gives them some pride in the fact they are giving back to the community.”
Karnet’s recent training program at the Dwellingup Airstrip saw 22 prisoners and seven prison officers qualify for fixed-wing water bomber support.
Under an MOU agreement between the Department of Justice, DBCA and DFES, Karnet prisoners also carry out significant fire mitigation work such as creating fire breaks and maintenance of equipment.
