Key Takeaways
- A bushfire alert has been issued for the town and mine site of Boddington, south-east of Perth, due to an out-of-control fire moving in a southerly direction.
- Residents in the area are warned to take immediate action to survive, with some areas advised to shelter in place and others to prepare for potential evacuation.
- The fire has already burnt 442 hectares of land, and multiple roads have been closed, including Gold Mine Access Road and mine site access tracks.
- Firefighters are actively fighting the fire, with support from Newmont Mine Site and aerial assistance.
- Power outages have been reported in parts of Ranford, Bannister, Marradong, Lower Hotham, and Boddington, with Western Power providing updates on their website.
Introduction to the Bushfire Alert
A bushfire alert has been issued for the town and mine site of Boddington, south-east of Perth, on Christmas Day. The alert warns residents of an out-of-control fire moving in a southerly direction, posing a threat to lives and homes. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has warned that it is too late to leave the Boddington gold mine area, and residents are advised to identify a safe room in their home to shelter from the approaching fire.
Bushfire Warning and Instructions
The bushfire warning is in place for those at the mine and in an area east and south of the mine in Bannister and Wuraming. Residents are warned that the fire has impacted evacuation routes, and leaving now will put their lives in danger. Instead, they are advised to shelter in a room with running water, such as a kitchen or laundry, and a clear exit. They should close all doors and windows, turn off evaporative air conditioners, and keep water running through the system if possible. Residents are also advised to monitor their surroundings for fires and embers and turn on sprinklers if they have them.
Bushfire Watch and Act
A Bushfire Watch and Act is in place for people in an area surrounding Boddington Gold Mine, bounded by Chalk Brook Road, Bannister Marradong Road, Farmers Avenue, Thirty Four Mile Brook, Access Road, and Wells Form Road in parts of Bannister, Wuraming, and Boddington. Residents are advised to stay alert and monitor their surroundings, as conditions could change quickly. They should read through their emergency plan, have their emergency kit ready, and be prepared to act quickly if the situation worsens.
Bushfire Advice
A Bushfire Advice is in place for people in the Boddington townsite and surrounding areas in parts of Bannister, Boddington, Marradong, and Ranford. While there is no immediate threat to lives or homes, residents are advised to stay alert and monitor their surroundings. They should read through their emergency plan, watch for signs of a bushfire, and close all doors and windows. If they have a respiratory condition and have been affected by smoke, they should contact their local doctor or call Health Direct.
Bushfire Behaviour and Road Closures
The bushfire is moving in a north-westerly direction and is not contained or controlled. Currently, 442 hectares of land have been burnt. Several roads have been closed, including Gold Mine Access Road and mine site access tracks. Motorists are advised to avoid the area, reduce speed, and drive carefully. Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by visiting the Main Roads Travel Map, calling 138 138, or contacting the Local Government Authority.
Firefighting Efforts and Power Outages
Firefighters are actively fighting the fire, with support from Newmont Mine Site and aerial assistance. Western Power has advised that power supply to parts of Ranford, Bannister, Marradong, Lower Hotham, and Boddington has been affected. Residents can visit the Western Power website for further details. During a power outage, residents are advised to use a battery-powered radio to stay informed, as their home phone, computer, or other electronic devices connected to the NBN will not work.
Animal Welfare and Extra Information
Owners or carers of livestock, pets, and companion animals should activate their own animal welfare plan and take advice from Local Government Authorities to protect the lives of their animals while keeping themselves safe. For more information on actions to take for each bushfire warning level, residents can visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website. The DFES is managing the fire, and updates will be issued every hour unless the situation changes.
