Extra help for bushfire prone area in South-West

• Extra fire trucks, training and crew protection at five South-West fire stations

• Response to Margaret River fires sees $7million invested

Volunteer firefighters in Western Australia's South-West are better prepared than ever to protect local communities with five upgraded volunteer fire stations officially opened today.

Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis today visited each of the stations in Dunsborough, Cowaramup, Yallingup, Wallcliffe and Witchcliffe.

Mr Francis said the station upgrades were part of a $7million State Government investment to improve firefighting capabilities in the region with extra fire trucks, improved response arrangements, specialised training and extra crew protection systems.

"As we know from the Margaret River fires two years ago, the Capes region is a high bushfire risk area so we have responded with extra protection for the community," he said.

In November 2011, 32 homes were destroyed in a fire along the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge, many more were damaged and thousands of hectares of bushland were burned.

All five stations will operate as both bush fire brigades as well as volunteer fire and rescue services, which means volunteers will have the skills and equipment to fight bushfires as well as structural fires.

The Minister thanked the five local governments for working together to assess risks in the area and protect community infrastructure against the threat of bushfire.

Mr Francis also announced that a pilot program will begin in March with the shires of Augusta-Margaret River, Boyup Brook, Collie and Nannup to develop bushfire risk management plans to protect infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, communication towers and bridges.

"It will involve State and local government agencies, community members and private landowners, reinforcing the message that bushfire risk mitigation is a shared responsibility," he said.

"It's part of the State Government's commitment to build on our achievements and deliver the infrastructure and training for the needs of our growing population."

          Fact File

• There are more than 1,400 volunteer firefighters in the Capes region

Minister's office - 6552 6500