Parks and Wildlife Service staff are busy working on prescribed burns to protect communities from bushfires and maintain biodiversity.

The autumn prescribed burning program is underway in the Swan Region, with smoke likely to be seen in the metropolitan area.

Every spring and autumn, weather conditions across the south‑west are carefully monitored to enable the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) to safely undertake the burns.

The Swan Region is the first of the three south-west forest regions to commence prescribed burning, which will move into the Warren and South West regions in coming weeks. The burns are scheduled to take place over several weeks, weather permitting.

Prescribed burning helps reduce fuel loads to protect communities, infrastructure and the environment from the impacts of severe bushfire. It also supports healthy ecosystems by maintaining biodiversity and promoting regeneration.

All prescribed burns are planned and conducted under strict conditions, using the best available science, local knowledge and on‑ground expertise to manage risk and minimise smoke impacts where possible.

It is not always possible to predict what the smoke will do and on some days it will be more visible than others. At these times, people in affected areas should:

• Keep windows and doors shut and turn off air conditioners
• If affected by asthma or pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular illnesses follow their pre-prepared treatment plan
• If affected by smoke contact their doctor or Health Direct (1800 022 222)

For information on the latest prescribed burns visit Today's burns | Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions