Bushfire accidentally sparked by campers destroys eight properties in WA

The bizarre cause of an out-of-control bushfire has been revealed as residents are urged to “act immediately to survive”.

Eight properties have been destroyed as an out-of-control bushfire sparked by a group of campers continues to burn.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services commissioner Darren Klemm said the blaze in Nanga Brook, Waroona was believed to have been accidentally sparked by campers who were using a battery to charge devices in the state forest, west of Nanga townsite on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Commissioner Klemm said the blaze had burnt through 3000 hectares of land and destroyed three homes and five short-stay accommodation properties.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm has revealed a group of campers accidentally caused the bushfire. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

“We’ll work through the details of this with the owners over the next couple of days,” he said.

“For those families that have lost homes, we understand this can be a difficult time for them and we’ll be making sure we’re reaching, providing the support that’s required to them as we go through the loss notification process.

“Without the outstanding efforts of the more than 150 firefighters and personnel who worked around the clock since this fire started on Saturday afternoon, there would have been more properties lost or damaged, or even a loss of life.”

On Monday, fire crews worked to build containment lines and Commisioner Klem said firefighters were 90 per cent of the way there to containing the bushfire.

A large airtanker was also used by crews on Monday afternoon.

Residents in an area are being urged to “act immediately to survive” and leave the area for a safer place as emergency warnings remain in place.

DFES issued the warning for parts of Blythewood, Coolup, Meelon, Nanga Brook, Oakley, Teesdale and Waroona in the Shires of Waroona and Murray on Monday.

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

Smoke was expected to impact the Waroona townsite on Monday morning but cleared in the afternoon, according to DFES.

WA residents are urged to “leave now” as the bushfire rages. Picture: Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA

The warning is in place for those east of South Western Hwy, between Greenlands Rd roundabout and Peel Rd, bounded by Pinjarra Williams Rd, Farley Rd, Lane Poole Reserve, Murray River, Nanga Rd, Nanga Brook Rd and Peel Rd.

The townsite of Waroona is excluded, while the warning does include the Meelon townsite and properties in the vicinity of Ridgeview Drive.

Residents are urged to “leave now for a safer place” if the way is clear, with DFES advising people not to “wait and see” as leaving last minute “could put your life in danger”.

Those who can’t leave should prepare to shelter in their homes.

DFES advise going to a room away from the fire front with two exits and water (such as the kitchen or laundry) while making sure you can escape easily.

Closing all doors and windows, turning off evaporative cooling is also recommended.

For those who aren’t home, the DFES have advised “it’s too dangerous to return”.

A bushfire watch and act warning is in place for residents bounded by Old Bunbury Rd in the north, east to Pinjarra Williams Rd, Burnside Rd, Scarp Rd, Oro Rd and Kings Rd.

The warning is in place for parts of Blythewood, Coolup, Meelon, Nanga Brook, Oakley, Teesdale and Waroona in the Shires of Waroona and Murray. Picture: Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA said “there is a threat to lives and homes”. Picture: Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA

It includes part of Lane Pool Reserve, Swamp Oak Rd and west to Peel Rd, Brockman Rd North, Murray and Fawcett St to the corner of Old Bunbury Rd and South West Hwy.

The watch and act alert is also in place for parts of Nanga Brook in parts of Blythewood, Coolup, Marrinup, Meelon, Nanga Brook, Oakley, Teesdale and Waroona in the Shires of Waroona and Murray.

“There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing,” the DFES warning read.

People who aren’t prepared or who plan to leave are urged to leave now if the way is clear.

Those who are well prepared and plan to defend their homes should “make final preparations now”.

Residents staying to defend their homes are advised not to rely 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 read.

People should keep doors and windows closed and turn off evaporative air conditioners while keeping “water running through the system if possible”.

Those who aren’t home are advised not to return as “conditions in the area could be very dangerous”.

Keep up with warnings here.

Originally published as Bushfire accidentally sparked by campers destroys eight properties in WA