On Australia Day at 3:45 pm, a bushfire broke out in Pleasant Grove, prompting a massive emergency response. Crews from Falcon, Mandurah 1st and 2nd, Baldivis Bush Fire Brigade (BFB), Mandurah Southern Districts BFB, Lake Clifton BFB, Karnup BFB, and DO Cockburn swiftly answered the call. With firefighters coordinating aerial efforts, trucks, and ground crews, the scene was one of intense activity, requiring precision and quick decision-making.

However, this crucial work didn’t go as smoothly as planned. Instead of solely focusing on getting “the wet stuff on the hot stuff”, as firefighters say, resources had to be diverted to manage an influx of onlookers and cars jamming the roads near the fire.

Sticky-Beaking is a Safety Hazard

What may appear to some as “exciting” — smoke filling the air, planes and helicopters circling overhead, and firetrucks rushing into action — poses significant risks when unnecessary crowds start gathering. Yesterday’s bushfire in Pleasant Grove unfortunately saw a large number of vehicles drawn to the scene simply to sticky-beak. This created a logistical nightmare for the firefighting teams and delayed their ability to combat the blaze efficiently.

If you don’t live in the area, you stay away. Every minute responders spend managing onlookers takes time and valuable resources away from fighting fires.

Drones Are Becoming a Growing Concern

Beyond the cars and crowds, another troubling issue has emerged—drones hovering around firefighting operations. While drones might provide onlookers with a unique vantage point, they create serious risks for emergency crews and aerial firefighting efforts. Helicopters and planes involved in fire suppression must operate in highly controlled airspace for safety reasons. The presence of unauthorised drones can ground these efforts temporarily, slowing the response and putting lives at risk.

A Call for Responsibility and Community Awareness

Local firefighters are urging the community to think twice before heading to the scene of a fire. While bushfires might seem like a spectacle, they are life-threatening emergencies that demand the full attention and coordination of responders. The best way you can help is by staying informed and out of the way unless you’re authorised to assist.

“Take a moment to ask yourself, ‘Am I helping or hindering?’” one firefighter urged. “By staying clear, you’re actually supporting us and the entire community.”

Prepare, Don’t Watch

Instead of driving to fire scenes, residents are encouraged to use their time proactively by preparing their own homes and families for potential bushfires. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) says it only takes 15 minutes to make a fire safety plan. You can get started by visiting Got 15 Minutes to Burn.

Having a clear plan ensures you know what to do if your home is under threat, reducing panic and confusion in high-pressure situations. A well-prepared community is a safer community for everyone.

Be Part of the Solution

Yesterday’s response in Pleasant Grove serves as a timely reminder of how critical it is for all of us to take bushfire safety seriously. By resisting the urge to sticky-beak or deploy unauthorised drones near emergency zones, we can help ensure firefighters can focus on what they do best—protecting lives, homes, and wildlife.

The next time you’re tempted to head to a fire or fly a drone in restricted areas, remember that every unnecessary distraction costs precious time. Let’s be mindful of our actions and work together to make our community safer.

Your cooperation could make all the difference. Stay informed, stay safe, and support those who keep us protected.