Firefighters are pleading with tourists to be fire ready ahead of what is expected to be one of the busiest holiday periods in the South West of Western Australia.
Tourism operators are reportedly fully booked this Christmas, despite the state's hard border which is finally being relaxed commencing this weekend.
The increase in tourists coincides with the region's summer bushfire season.
Andrew Wright, the DFES district officer for the South West, said the department was keeping an eye on the predicted increase in tourist numbers at summer hotspots.
"We certainly will have to be on our game when it comes to potentially evacuating people out of areas," Mr Wright said.
"Especially within our national parks where there might be free camping or bush camping areas, and we'll be consulting with our partners at Parks and Wildlife just to make sure that we've captured everybody."
Campers, tourists prepare ahead
Mr Wright said the most important thing for tourists to be aware of was the daily fire danger ratings.
"If you're moving into an area that you're not necessarily familiar with you should be fully aware of the fire danger ratings for the days that you're staying there," he said.
He said if the rating reached severe or catastrophic on certain days, campers especially should consider moving elsewhere.
Airbnb guests are also encouraged to have a bushfire escape plan prepared.
"If you're in an Airbnb or something similar where you're unfamiliar with the territory, it's important that you understand whether the hosts already have a fire plan in place," Mr Wright said.
"If not that, you need to actually make that plan for yourselves and understand where you can go if need be."
Jenny Lee from the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association said demand was higher than previous years with more WA tourists holidaying in their own state.
"Bookings for the summer period are looking very strong and we have definitely a feeling of optimism among operators in this region," she said.
"I would say that there's been even stronger demand compared to previous years.
"But summer holidays are our peak season and we would normally expect accommodation to be booked out."
