Homes, shed engulfed by flames as 'aggressive' bushfire tears through Casuarina
Updated at 3.40pm. This story will no longer be updated this afternoon. For the latest emergency advice please head to www.emergency.wa.gov.au or call 13DFES (13 33 37).
At least two homes have caught fire and a number of others are under imminent threat in the City of Kwinana as an unpredictable bushfire tears through the suburbs of Oakford and Casuarina.
The blaze started just before 11.15am near Modong Nature Reserve and as of 12.47pm had jumped Thomas Road, burning in the rear of at least three properties of Cumming Road.
Half an hour later, it had crossed Tuart Road, moving closer to semi-rural properties in Anketell. The area is home to several businesses including a strawberry farm, a cattery, a nursery and an agricultural and gardening supplies store.
Just before 2.27pm, several spot fires had broken out on properties along Newbold Road as the fire burned on both sides of Thomas Road, where several properties were also under threat.
At least one shed has been razed by the blaze.
Aerial support has been called in to assist ground crews battling the flames, which are burning about 4 kilometres away from Casuarina Prison. Helitanks have been deployed to attack the southern flank of the fire, as water bombers tackle the northern flank.
A number of power poles have been damaged throughout the fire ground, with Western Power crews unable to isolate the power.
Residents in Oakford, Casuarina, Banjup, Hammond Park, Forrestdale, Wandi, Wellard, Anketell, and Oldbury have been told to leave for a safe place if the way is clear by heading west along Thomas Road, Anketell Road and Rowley Road.
"You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes," an alert by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services read.
About 150 volunteer and career firefighters have been deployed to battle the blaze, which is moving fast in a north-westerly direction.
Evacuation centres have been set up at Briggs Park Pavilion, on the corner of Mead Street and Gordin Way in Byford, and Kwinana Recquatic, on the intersection of Skerne Street and Robbos Way in Kwinana.
An emergency warning is in place for the area bounded by Rowley Road, Kwinana Freeway, Mortimer Road, King Road, and Thomas Road.
What to do if you are in the emergency warning area:
- If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.
- Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.
- Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
- If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home.
- Go to a room in your home away from the fire front and make sure you can easily escape.
- Choose a room with two exits and water such as a kitchen or laundry.
- If you are not at home, it’s too dangerous to return.
Aerial support is assisting ground crews. Credit:Nine News Perth
Those self-isolating at home due to COVID-19 should leave and find alternative accommodation with family or friends who live away from the area and continue to maintain physical distancing.
If this is not possible, they should go to the evacuation centre and identify themselves to centre staff immediately on arrival.
Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and to be aware of fire and emergency personnel working on the site.
A number of roads have been closed to outside traffic including Anketell Road from Kwinana Freeway to Thomas Road, Thomas Road from Anketell Road to Bombay Boulevard, Tuart Road from Anketell Road to Thomas Road, Cumming Road between Orton Road and Thomas Road, and King Road between Orton Road and Thomas Road.
DFES said the safest option for people wanting to leave the warning area was to do so in a westerly direction via Thomas, Anketell or Rowley Roads.
Marta is an award-winning photographer and journalist with a focus on social justice issues and local government.