With temperatures soaring and the heat kicking in, members should be prepared for the upcoming bushfire season. 2022 has already seen significant bushfires and the Bureau of Metrology is predicting another hot, dry summer for WA.

In recent months we've received many questions on the management of volunteer bushfire fighters and the protections they receive from LGIS.

With this in mind, we've released an updated information sheet on bushfire volunteer protection which aims to answer your questions.

LGIS provides volunteer bushfire fighters with three main protections when undertaking normal brigade activities:

• Bushfire fighter volunteer injury protection
• Personal property protection
• Motor vehicle protection

Personal injury protection for volunteer bushfire fighters (VBF) is one area that demonstrates the strength and value of a mutual protection approach. It's a cover that the commercial insurance market has no appetite to provide. Local governments have a legislative requirement to provide this protection, and that is why, local governments through their mutual indemnity scheme have stepped up to protect their own.

Although local governments through their mutual, LGIS, are is able to access protection because there is a genuine (and legislative) need, members must actively manage the risks associated with volunteer bushfire brigades.

A proactive approach is vital to managing risks and ultimately reducing claims – ensuring the long-term, sustainable protection of our highly valued bushfire volunteers.

In addition to personal injury protection LGIS provides volunteer bushfire fighters with personal property and motor vehicle protection.

It's important to remember that VBFs are protected from liability for anything they do in good faith in carrying out normal brigade activities under the Bush Fires Act 1954 (WA).

If you have any questions related to the protection for your bushfire volunteers, please contact your account managers.