Coroner Hands Down Twelve Recommendations After 2015 Bush Fire Deaths

Just over four years ago the town of Esperance were struck down by disaster when four people, including local farmer Kym Curnow, were killed in a fire that swept through the Grass Patch. 

Earlier in March this year an inquest was carried out in Esperance to learn how the deaths came to be and investigate what the authorities involved, from the Shire to DFES to DPAW as they were known back then, could have done in light of the catastrophic event and what measures needed to be implemented to prevent bush fire death and loss of property in the future. 

The inquest lasted a week and nine months later there have been 12 recommendations handed down to the Minister of Emergency Services. 

Of those Coroner Linton suggested the following:

• creating three additional DFES positions: District Officer, Area Officer and Bush Fire Risk Management Officer
• Establish a Career Fire and Rescue Service Station help the Esperance, Ravensthorpe communities and to support local volunteer firefighters
• More permanent firefighting appliances and earthworks equipment to be purchased for the town to help mitigate future fires (fire breaks and access tracks) and fight potential blazes

To read the full report and recommendations just click here.

Sean covered the topic on the Breakfast Show this morning at 2 minutes into the audio

Now it's up to the State Government to adopt the changes...