People told to act immediately to survive as two bushfires put homes at risk in Geraldton and Perth's east
Note: this story will last be updated at 7pm. Please visit emergency.wa.gov.au or call 13 DFES (13 3337)
Firefighting resources are stretched across Western Australia as crews battle three separate out-of-control bushfires in different parts of the state fanned by gusty winds and scorching temperatures.
Residents in Geraldton's north have been told to act immediately to survive as an unpredictable blaze inches closer to lives and homes in Wonthella.
The view of the Geraldton fire from Sixth Street in Wonthella.Credit:Facebook
Meanwhile, a fire has broken out near Acacia Prison, in Perth's east, with residents in parts of Beechina, in the Shire of Mundaring, told to leave for a safer place.
Near Lancelin, more than 200 firefighters are working tirelessly to bring a fire under control which has torn through more than 7200 hectares and forced nearly 300 residents to evacuate their homes.
The blaze, which started near the intersection of Mogumber Road and Brand Highway in Red Gully, has been burning since Saturday across the greater Shire of Gingin.
Warning areas:
An emergency warning is in place for people in the area bounded by Flores Road, Sixth Street, Place Road, and North West Coastal Highway in Wonthella.
If you live between North West Coast Highway and Central Road it is safe to leave in a direction away from the fire. If you live between Central Road and Flores Road, it is not safe to leave.
The fire, which was first reported just before 5pm on Tuesday, is out of control and moving in a westerly direction to North West Coastal Highway.
A bushfire emergency warning has been issued in Geraldton for people in an area bounded by Flores Road, Eighth Street, Place Road and North West Coastal Highway in Wonthella.Credit:Facebook
An emergency warning is also in place for people on Doconing Road, Old Northam Road, Government Road and Great Eastern Highway in Beechina.
The bushfire started near the intersection of Great Eastern Highway and Doconing Road just after 4pm and is moving fast in a westerly and north-westerly direction. Burning embers are being blown around homes, with spot fires starting up to 200 metres ahead of the fire.
Residents escaping the fire should travel north, south or west, but not east.
Those who cannot leave for a safer place should shelter in their homes away from the fire front and make sure they can easily escape the flames if needed. They should close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
"If your home catches on fire and the conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt," the Department of Fire and Emergency said.
"Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and trousers, made from cotton or wool, and strong leather boots."
If you are self-isolating or quarantining due to COVID-19:
- You should leave and find alternative accommodation with family or friends who live away from the area.
- If you are unable to return to your quarantine location within one hour, telephone WA Police on 131 444 to advise them you have had to leave due to an emergency.
- Regardless of your location, continue to follow COVID-19 precautions and maintain appropriate physical distancing.
Keep up to date:
Visit emergency.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter: twitter.com/dfes_wa, Facebook: facebook.com/dfeswa, listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR, or news bulletins.
Marta is an award-winning photographer and journalist with a focus on social justice issues and local government.