Woman spearheads bushfire safety push after friends 'didn't know what to do'

Key points

• Dongara beautician Jemma Woodmore has spearheaded a bushfire preparation day for women after friends called her, unsure what to do during a blaze. Ms Woodmore said women often miss out on firefighting advice in male-dominated spaces, and she has since joined the volunteer fire brigade.
• Irwin resident Freya Smyth attended the workshop after a 2024 fire came within 300 metres of her home. Local emergency services manager Mick Antony said the event covered evacuation plans, extinguisher use and keeping identification ready.
• He urged residents to plan escape routes and use the Emergency WA app during fires.