Key Takeaways
- A Bushfire Emergency Warning is in place for parts of Leschenault, Brunswick, and Wellesley in WA’s South West region
- The bushfire, which began as a vehicle fire, is uncontrolled and moving fast in a northerly direction
- Residents in the affected area have been told it’s too late to leave and need to act immediately to survive
- A number of roads have been closed, and motorists are advised to avoid the area and drive carefully
- Residents are advised to identify a safe room in their home with running water and a clear exit, and to shelter before the fire arrives
Introduction to the Bushfire Emergency
The South West region of Western Australia is currently facing a severe bushfire threat, with a Bushfire Emergency Warning in place for parts of Leschenault, Brunswick, and Wellesley. The fire, which began as a vehicle fire at around 2:30 pm on the intersection of Forrest Highway and Stanley Road, has spread rapidly to nearby bushland and is now uncontrolled and moving fast in a northerly direction. The affected area is mostly agricultural, and residents have been told it’s too late to leave, with the fire posing a significant threat to lives and homes.
The Bushfire Warning and Affected Area
The Bushfire Emergency Warning is in place for people bound by Marriott Road to the north, Wellesley Road to the east, Clifton Road to the south, and Forrest Highway to the west. The warning, issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), advises residents that the fire has impacted evacuation routes, making it too late to leave the area. Residents are urged to act immediately to survive, with the fire expected to bring extreme heat and flames to the area. The warning also advises residents to identify a room in their home where they can shelter from the approaching fire, with running water, such as a kitchen or laundry, and a clear exit.
Response to the Bushfire
The response to the bushfire is ongoing, with around 40 appliances on scene, along with aerial support. A number of roads have been closed, including Forrest Highway Southbound between Old Coast Road and Paris Road, and motorists are advised to avoid the area, reduce speed, and drive carefully. The DFES is working to contain the fire, but the situation remains critical, with the fire moving fast and uncontrolled. Residents are advised to monitor the situation closely and follow the instructions of emergency services personnel.
Safety Precautions and Advice
The DFES has issued specific safety precautions and advice for residents in the affected area. Residents are advised to shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill before the flames reach them. They should close all doors and windows, turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible. Residents should also monitor both inside and outside of their home for fires and embers and turn on sprinklers if they have them. If their home catches fire and the conditions inside become unbearable, residents should go to an area that has already been burnt. Protecting oneself by wearing strong leather boots in case of needing to leave the home is also recommended. In cases of immediate danger, residents are advised to call Triple Zero.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The bushfire emergency in the South West region of Western Australia is a serious and developing situation, with residents in the affected area facing a significant threat to their lives and homes. The DFES and emergency services personnel are working to contain the fire, but the situation remains critical. Residents are advised to follow the instructions of emergency services personnel and take immediate action to survive. The situation will continue to be monitored, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. In the meantime, residents are urged to prioritize their safety and take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their properties.