Perth residents must take shared responsibility for bushfire risk management, according to an investigation into the fires that swept through the state’s eastern suburbs in February.

The WA Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) appointed former Council of Australian Governments Chairman Stuart Ellis to conduct the inquiry into the January and February fires in Redhill, Roleystone and Lake Clifton, which destroyed 71 homes and damaged 39 properties.

In his report presented to the State Parliament last week, Mr Ellis suggests residents take a more proactive approach to bushfire mitigation by reducing the risk on their properties and planning for future events.

He says while the evacuation strategy is to be commended for saving lives, removing residents in the face of the fire increases the likelihood of property damage and loss.

However, the report says due to poor bushfire preparation and the absence of bushfire planning in all three affected local government areas, there was no other option but to evacuate.

“More can be done to increase the chance of house survival even if residents are not present and, even more importantly, further improve the chance of survival when there is little or no warning.” 

Mr Ellis recommends the need for implementing the Australian building standards for bushfire-prone areas to improve the chance of future survival.

He also outlines the need for greater fuel reduction efforts and for the review of firefighting capabilities by allocating more fire appliances and training opportunities.

FESA says it will now review operational procedures to implement these recommendations.