WA residents urged to act immediately as fires continue to rage

Residents are being urged to evacuate immediately as bushfires burn a major state forest.

A bushfire emergency warning is in place for residents south of Perth as an out-of-control fire tears through the area. Waroona and Murray Shire residents have been told to evacuate now while 145 firefighters and volunteers battle the blaze. Picture: DFES

Residents were urged to leave immediately as a bushfire emergency warning was issued for Western Australia.

The WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued an alert on Sunday morning as bushfires ravage the area after a fire started in an area of state forest west of Nanga Townsite.

Affected areas include Pinjarra Williams Road to the north, Scarp Road and Farley Road to the east, Tallathalla Road to the south and South Western Highway to the west, including Meelon townsite and Marrarup Nature Reserve.

WA residents are urged to act immediately as a bushfire emergency warning is in place. Picture: DFES

A fire began in an area of state forest west of Nanga Townsite, with residents urged to leave if the way is clear. Picture: DFES

People west of Nanga Road in southern parts of Lane Poole Reserve, west of the Nanga Townsite in the Shire of Murray and Shire of Waroona are also under the emergency bushfire warning.

“Firefighters have done an incredible job to protect lives and homes overnight and throughout today despite erratic fire behaviour fanned by strong, gusty winds,” DFES stated on Sunday afternoon.

“These conditions continue to challenge crews on the frontline who are actively fighting the blaze.

“So far, close to 2000 ha have been burnt and the fire remains out of control and uncontained.

“There is still an immediate threat to lives and homes, and we urge anyone in the Emergency Warning area to leave now for a safer place.”

DFES said people in those areas need to “act immediately to survive”, while it’s “too dangerous to return” for those who aren’t home.

Residents are urged to leave now if the way is clear and not to wait, as “leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger”.

For those who can’t leave, preparing a shelter in the home is crucial.

DFES advise going to a room away from the fire front with two exits and water — such as a kitchen or laundry — and ensuring you can easily escape.

Keeping all doors and windows shut while turning off evaporative air conditioners and keeping water running through the system is also encouraged.

The emergency warning stated the fire is still spreading with “strong winds in difficult to access steep and hilly terrain”.

“The fire ground is experiencing fresh and gusty winds this morning, decreasing into the evening. People in the area should remain vigilant in case the fire behaviour escalates again.”

A bushfire Watch and Act has also been issued for southern parts of Lane Poole Reserve, west of the Nanga Townsite, and areas to the west of Marrinup State Forest and north of Tallathalla Road in the Shire of Waroona and Shire of Murray.

A Bushfire Watch and Act has also been issued for southern parts of Lane Poole Reserve. Picture: DFES

Residents are urged to leave immediately if they are not prepared or plan to leave, so long as the way is clear, as there is a “possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing”.

Those who are well prepared and plan to defend their homes are urged to make final preparations and not to reply on mains water pressure as it may be affected.

“ You need to have access to an independent water supply, and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires,” the DFES warning said.

“Keep doors and windows closed and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

“If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.”

Keep up to date with emergency warnings here.