Lives and homes at threat due to bushfire

UPDATE – MAY 16, 2019, 6.45AM: A BUSHFIRE east of Perth is under control and residents have been told they are no longer in immediate danger.

An emergency warning was issued for parts of The Lakes, Beechina, Copley, Woottating and Wooroloo in the shires of Mundaring and Northam on Wednesday afternoon as the fast-moving blaze threatened homes.

Firefighters contained the bushfire in the evening and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services downgraded the alert level to a bushfire advice at 1.03am “due to favorable weather conditions”.

Residents were told while there was no immediate danger they should stay aware and monitor their surroundings.

The fire burned 276ha and 142 homes were left without power.

EARLIER – MAY 15, 2019, 3.57PM: AN out of control bushfire is threatening lives and homes in the Shires of Mundaring and Northam.

An emergency warning has been issued for parts of The Lakes, Beechina, Copley, Woottating, Wooroloo in the Shires of Mundaring and Northam.

The fire started near the intersection of Horton Road and Great Southern Highway in the Lakes just after 1pm, and the blaze is now moving fast in a southeasterly direction.

Acacia Prison is in lockdown but has not yet been evacuated due to the fire.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued an emergency bushfire warning, urging people to act immediately.

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

“The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as homes are under threat.

“If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place. Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.

“The bushfire is moving fast in a southeasterly direction. It is out of control and unpredictable. Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home.”

Householders who plan to stay and actively defend are being warned not to rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected.

Residents who have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, should start patrolling with a hose and put out spot fires.

If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it. If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.

Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

A total fire ban is in place for the Perth area.

SAFEST ROUTE

Roads have not been closed but motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke.

Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au.