A restricted area is a designated zone within an incident area that permit holders can enter for a period of time and a specific purpose. Restricted access areas will be via a nominated vehicle control point and access will be controlled by DFES personnel.
Anyone who enters a restricted access area without a permit may be prosecuted under the relevant legislation.
A vehicle control point is a location near the restricted area that allows permit holders access to the area.
In the case of multiple control points a restricted access permit will specify which vehicle control point the permit holder can enter the area through. If you attempt to go through a vehicle control point that is not marked on your restricted access permit, you will be denied access and turned away.
Restricted access permits are only issued when the Incident Controller has determined that it is safe for persons to enter the restricted area. They can only be obtained from the Restricted Access Permit Unit, the location of the Unit/s will be listed in the alert or warning on Emergency WA once the unit is established.
To get a restricted access permit you must visit the unit in person. Your permit can have up to four people listed and you will need to enter together in the registered vehicle through your designated vehicle control point. The permit must be prominently displayed at all times within the restricted area.
It is important to remember that every incident is different, the best way to stay up to date on a restricted access area and when permits will be issued is by checking Emergency WA.
Up to four people can be given access on one permit, in the case of residents returning to their property, one of the four people must be the property owner. Permits may be issued to residents, business owners, utility companies or other approved persons to enable them to:
Once an area is deemed safe enough to allow restricted access, a unit it established to issue permits. The location of where to get a permit for a specific incident will be included in the alert or warning on Emergency WA. Permits are currently unavailable online; you will need to travel to an issuing point to get a restricted access permit.
Due to changing conditions and resource requirements during incidents, issuing restricted access permits may temporarily stop, and your patience is appreciated in these situations.
To be issued a restricted access permit, you must provide:
If representing an organisation, you must provide your agency identification and contact and vehicle details.
Applicants may be subject to certain conditions when applying for a restricted access permit. These conditions ensure that the permit holder will be safe while in the restricted area.
Conditions may vary depending on the incident but may include conditions such as:
Anyone who enters a restricted access area without authorisation or breaks the conditions of their permit can be prosecuted under the relevant legislation.
A restricted access permit must be displayed when entering the restricted area. The permit can be in the form of a sticker placed on the windscreen or a paper permit.
The permit must be shown at vehicle control points, along with a valid form of identification such as a driver's license or passport.
When going through a restricted area after a hazard, it can be incredibly daunting and it’s difficult to anticipate what you’ll see. Before entering a restricted area, you should mentally and emotionally prepare yourself and those with you for the changes and damage to the area. You may want to bring someone with you when you first enter a restricted access area to provide support through this difficult time.