Building and Energy has completed its investigation into the Wickepin-Narrogin bushfire, which occurred on 6 February 2022.

It has now commenced proceedings against Western Power for alleged breaches of the Electricity (Network Safety) Regulations 2015.

The legislation requires network operators to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that their network is designed, constructed, operated and maintained so as to ensure that it is safe.

The fire started when Western Power’s power line conductors clashed, causing ignition of the dry grass below.

The case has been listed for mention in Narrogin Magistrates Court on Tuesday (22 August 2023).

Following the bushfire, Western Power provided the Director of Energy Safety with a plan to reduce the risk posed by power lines in its network of a similar construction to the one that caused the Wickepin-Narrogin incident.

Building and Energy has been monitoring Western Power’s progress with the remediation program.

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Media contact: BEmedia@dmirs.wa.gov.au