Busselton Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service

Your Year to Volunteer.

National Volunteer Week.

May 18 to May 24, with the theme "Your Year to Volunteer". It is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, aligning with the United Nations International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.

Whilst there are no restrictions on burning at this time of year. A high Fire Danger Rating is still a High Fire Danger Rating for a reason.

If you were burning over the week check them again.

If you are planning to burn today. Double check then check again.

This weekend at least 4 burns got away and resulted in a 000 call.

Just a heads up — a High Fire Danger Rating has been declared for the Augusta Margaret River Shire for Monday, 11th May 2026.

That means:

❌ No “she’ll be right” moments

If you've had a burn in recent days, please take the time tonight and tomorrow morning to thoroughly check your burn area. Soak the edges, soak everything and make absolutely certain there are no hot spots or smouldering embers remaining.

Strong, dry northerly winds are forecast and the bush is dry. We’ve already attended multiple incidents in recent days from escaped burns, and conditions tomorrow morning and subsequent days ahead of the cold front will significantly increase the risk of fires spreading rapidly.

It only takes one ember in these conditions.

International Firefighters' Day (IFFD) is observed annually on May 4th, falling on Monday, May 4, 2026, to recognize the sacrifices, courage, and dedication of firefighters worldwide. Established in 1999, this day honors fallen firefighters and thanks those in service, with events like the one held at Busselton VFRS on Saturday morning

* Significance: Linked to St. Florian's Day, the patron saint of firefighters.
* Commemoration: A 2026 IFFD Memorial Service was held in Busselton, WA, on May 2nd, 2026, to honour fallen firefighters.
* Symbolism: Displaying red and blue ribbons, symbolizing the elements of fire and water.
* Observance: "Sounding off" — fire sirens sound for 30 seconds, followed by a minute's silence, held on the first Saturday of May (May 2, 2026) at 10:00 AM.
Purpose:
* Honoring the Fallen: Remembering those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
* Supporting Current Staff: Acknowledging the ongoing work of career and volunteer firefighters here in Western Australia & globally
* Global Recognition: A day adopted by the international community to highlight the dangers faced by fire service members.
Photo Credit: Inside Out Images, Reef Armer Photography.