The WA government is providing $4 million to help 27 councils prepare for the next bushfire season.

The funding will help conduct 635 mitigation activities in high-risk areas on state-owned land managed by local government. Actions include mechanical reduction of fuel levels, the creation of firebreaks and planned burns.

Funding is available to local governments with a bushfire risk management plan endorsed by the Fire and Emergency Services Department.

“It’s more important than ever that local governments have the support that empowers them to protect their communities,” state Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said. “With a changing climate, bushfire seasons are running longer and fire conditions are becoming more challenging.”

Mr Dawson says more than 5000 bushfires were reported statewide last season, burning more than 9.5 million hectares. That compares with 4017 fires across more than 2.8 million hectares in the same period a year earlier.

The grants are offered through the government’s Mitigation Activity Fund. Applications for the next round are expected to open next month.