Book shares stories of bushfires

Lessons learnt from the 2016 Waroona-Yarloop bushfires will be shared with the Eaton community on Tuesday with an author talk on the book Stories from the Fireground.

The Eaton Public Library will host the book’s editor Ross Le Cras and Harvey shire president Tania Jackson from 6pm to 8pm to discuss the book and answer questions.

Stories from the Fireground contains stories of people’s experiences during the bushfires and was launched in Harvey in August.

Dardanup shire acting library coordinator Dean Pitts said the event would include discussions with Mr Le Cras and Cr Jackson on how the stories were brought together.

Cr Jackson said the book provided an important historical document for the shire’s residents and what they went through.

“As time went by, people felt they were ready to tell their stories, though they felt anxious,” she said.

“We will want to again thank those people for sharing their stories.”

The event will also include talks from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services about how to stay safe during and prepare for the bushfire season.

Mr Pitts said while the focus of the night was on the book, it would also help raise fire safety awareness in the lead-up to summer.

“We’re trying to cover everything so people can get the full picture, especially considering it’s going to be a hot summer,” he said.

“There will be an element of things to be mindful of.”

Cr Jackson said there were important lessons from the 2016 bushfires.

“There’s a lesson to be learnt from the way people responded and reacted,” she said.

While attendees are asked to register beforehand there is no cut-off time. To register call 9724 4466.