A volunteer firefighter monitors the fire at the prescribed burn just off South Coast Highway on Sunday afternoon. Photo: Geoff Vivian.
The clouds of black smoke billowing west of Esperance over the weekend were caused by hazard reduction and backburning activities at Toowacka Reserve.
The purpose of the backburning is to reduce fuel-loads and establish a low fuel buffer zone to prevent the risk of fires around Pink Lake and Monjingup.
Volunteer firefighters, DFES staff and Shire of Esperance Bush Fire Brigades will continue their undertakings until June 1.
The Shire of Esperance has a Hazard Reduction Program which is being rolled out over 2025 and all hazard reduction activities are publicised on its website and socials.
