“Thank you” (Feb 2026)

By Rashelle Predovnik

THE tireless efforts of local volunteer bushfire brigades this fire season has drawn heartfelt thanks from the shire president and high praise from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
There have been six large bushfires in the Shire of Toodyay since 1 November, 2025.
Two were sparked by lightning, one was caused by mechanical failure and another was considered suspicious.
About 1,000 hectares were impacted by these fires in a number of locations, including Dumbarton, Morangup, Coondle, Julimar and West Toodyay.

The community response

Local brigades in Bejoording, Coondle-Nunile, Julimar, Morangup, Toodyay and Toodyay Central were some of many who took up the fight to keep homes safe.
Generous food donations from The Toodyay Bakery and the Salvation Army kept the volunteers going.
Local farmers and water carters also mobilised to help.
DFES superintendent Garth Civil said that level of practical, local help was vital because firefighting relies on reliable food, hydration and resupply.
He said their support helped crews respond faster, fight fires more effectively and, most
importantly, stay safe.
Local businesses Fire Mitigation Services, Avon Earthworks, Goodes Machinery and Toodyay Tyres also pitched in.
Supt Civil said heavy machinery helps fire crews build a control line that fire can’t easily cross so they can work more safely.
As an added bonus, he said that local operators knew the land which reduced risk.

Local fire brigades “outstanding”

The fire high threat period runs from December to April and last month, 20 fires were lit by 2,000 lightning strikes.
Superintendent Civil said the high threat period was marked by fast moving fire weather and multiple significant incidents in quick succession.
He said major fires sparked the need for everyone to work together across the state.
“Rotating crews help our teams fight a fire for longer and it allows local brigades to rest and be ready for the next flare-up.”
Supt Civil said that from an operational perspective the outstanding performance of local volunteer brigades, under repeated and sustained pressure, really stood out.
“Particularly around the Toodyay and Moondyne fires in December,” he said.
People might not realise how much we rely across the state, not just on our local volunteers, but on volunteers who go out and help across the state.
“We’ve got 30,000 volunteers across Western Australia and all those people give up their time willingly to help the community.
“And while some don’t get as busy as others sometimes people spend thousands of hours a year helping out the community.”

Recognising the help of so many

Supt Civil also thanked residents who made an effort to be bushfire ready because their vigilance makes a real difference.
He said there was early, decisive action from local brigades and incoming crews (supported by six aircrafts) on the Moondyne blaze.
The fact that many residents kept their properties maintained so fire crews could easily get access was a game changer.
He said timely alerts via the Emergency WA website or app and the ABC’s emergency broadcasts helped residents enact their plans at the right time.
However, information and warnings can become silenced by power outages and Supt Civil stressed the importance of keeping a battery-operated transistor radio at home.
Toodyay shire president Mick McKeown issued a statement to thank those who helped so much.
“Following an incredibly demanding period for our region, I would like to extend grateful thanks to all the fire brigades, agencies, businesses, and individuals who supported our community during the recent fire incidents,” he said.
“While we regret to report the loss of two structures and several outbuildings, we are thankful that no primary residences were destroyed.”
Supt Civil also thanked the volunteers and businesses who rallied together during the recent spate of fires.
“Our volunteers did an outstanding job under challenging conditions, and the community’s cooperation makes a big difference.”