‘Too late to leave’: Fires rage in WA Wheatbelt and Great Southern regions

Two separate bushfires in WA’s southwest are threatening buildings as people are told it is too late to leave.

Residents in regional southwest Western Australia are being told it is too late to leave as multiple bushfires burn.

One fire is centred around the area of Arthur River, in the state’s Wheatbelt region, about 200km from Perth.

West Arthur Shire president Neil Morrell told the ABC two homes had been lost.

People from nearby areas are saying online up to five houses may have been lost.

“From my family to yours, our thoughts and prayers are currently with the greatly impacted communities of Arthur River, Wagin and surrounds after the devastating fires that have swept through the Great Southern today,” state MP Ben Simpkins posted online.

This property was lost in Arthur River. Picture: Supplied / Samantha Spurr

The “too late to leave” warning was issued for Arthur River, Wedgecarrup, Lime Lake, Cartmeticup, Woodanilling, Boyerine and Westwood, on Saturday morning.

The fire has burnt through 11,000 hectares and is not contained or controlled, however the latest update is the fire is stationary.

The warning area is ringed by Albany Highway to the west, Collie Lake King Road to the north, Jessup Road, Taylors Road, Beaufort Road, Andrews Road, Watson Road, Great Southern Highway and Cornwall Road to the east and Orchard Road and Robinson West Road.

“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes,” the warning reads.

Dangerous fires are burning southeast of Perth. One blaze is near the area of Arthur River in the Wheatbelt region, the other is on the south coast near Bremer Bay. Pictures: Emergency WA

“You need to identify a room in your home where you can shelter from the approaching fire.”

Firefighters are actively fighting the fire and strengthening containment lines. Aerial support was scheduled to return at first light on Saturday. More than 630 homes and businesses have lost power.

A large area circling the fire to the east, south and west is also under “prepare to leave” orders.

Darran Bairstow posted video from Dumbleyung, to the east of the fires, showing ghastly dry winds.

“While it was a bit busy here in Dumbleyung with fires today (Friday), please spare a thought for those in Arthur River/Wagin/Woodanilling tonight,” Mr Bairstow said.

“I’ve heard, second hand, that five families have lost their homes today.

Conditions around Arthur River are hot, dry and windy. Picture: Facebook

“This is just an example of what the wind was like this afternoon here, with the temp showing 44°C on my ute’s temp gauge.”

Further to the east, residents are being told to monitor conditions and prepare.

The second fire is about 400km southeast of Perth, at Reef Beach near the seaside town of Bremer Bay.

People at Reef Beach have been told it is too late to leave.

Campers are being told to stay in place. More than 80 firefighters are on the ground. Forty power connections have been lost.

That fire is burning to the west of the Bremer Bay township, moving slowly in a north easterly direction, is not contained or controlled and has destroyed 800 hectares.

Originally published as ‘Too late to leave’: Fires rage in WA Wheatbelt and Great Southern regions