Emergency evacuations underway as out-of-control bushfire threatens lives and homes
By
Seia Ibanez
- Replies 9
Australia is no stranger to bushfires, but the recent out-of-control blaze north of Perth has escalated to a level that poses a significant threat to lives and homes.
The situation is critical, and residents in the affected areas are being urged to act immediately to ensure their survival.
An emergency warning was issued early today, 15 January, for several areas, including Bindoon, Breera, Gingin, Lennard Brook, Mooliabeenee and Moondah, all located approximately 60km north of Perth.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services in Western Australia (WA) has issued a stark warning: 'You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.’
‘There is a threat to lives and homes.'
Firefighters are still grappling with the relentless fire that’s proving difficult to contain and control.
The blaze is moving in multiple directions, driven by unpredictable winds, and has already consumed about 2600 hectares.
Today, almost 250 firefighters and support crew were on the ground, battling the blaze.
Aerial support was expected to join the fight at first light, providing much-needed assistance from above.
Residents were advised to evacuate immediately if the path was clear.
An evacuation centre was promptly set up at the Bendigo Centre Recreation Grounds on Weld Street in Gingin, providing a safe haven for those fleeing the fire.
Meanwhile, to the southwest of the region, another fire was burning at a watch and act level near Bambun, Muchea, Pinjar, Yanchep and Yeal, with 2287 hectares already burnt.
The situation became even more critical last Saturday afternoon, 13 January, when fires broke containment lines, threatening homes and a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base in Perth’s north amid intense heat.
The blaze broke out near the entrance to RAAF Base Gingin, a facility primarily used for pilot training.
This was one of four significant fires in the Wanneroo and Chittering areas, where temperatures soared to a scorching 41°C just after 2 pm last Saturday.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasted severe heatwave conditions to persist into the coming week across much of the state, including Perth and the rest of the southwest.
If you or your loved one has a lung condition, you are most likely affected by the smoke caused by the catastrophic bushfire.
Studies show that once bushfire smoke is inhaled, it can cause our airways to narrow and spasm, making breathing hard.
Even if symptoms are not serious enough to warrant emergency medical attention, exposure to bushfire smoke can lead to cough, nasal congestion, wheezing and asthma flares.
Be prepared for any bushfire incidents in your area by reading these three ways here.
Have you been affected by the bushfires? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below.
The situation is critical, and residents in the affected areas are being urged to act immediately to ensure their survival.
An emergency warning was issued early today, 15 January, for several areas, including Bindoon, Breera, Gingin, Lennard Brook, Mooliabeenee and Moondah, all located approximately 60km north of Perth.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services in Western Australia (WA) has issued a stark warning: 'You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.’
‘There is a threat to lives and homes.'
Firefighters are still grappling with the relentless fire that’s proving difficult to contain and control.
The blaze is moving in multiple directions, driven by unpredictable winds, and has already consumed about 2600 hectares.
Today, almost 250 firefighters and support crew were on the ground, battling the blaze.
Aerial support was expected to join the fight at first light, providing much-needed assistance from above.
Residents were advised to evacuate immediately if the path was clear.
An evacuation centre was promptly set up at the Bendigo Centre Recreation Grounds on Weld Street in Gingin, providing a safe haven for those fleeing the fire.
Meanwhile, to the southwest of the region, another fire was burning at a watch and act level near Bambun, Muchea, Pinjar, Yanchep and Yeal, with 2287 hectares already burnt.
The situation became even more critical last Saturday afternoon, 13 January, when fires broke containment lines, threatening homes and a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base in Perth’s north amid intense heat.
The blaze broke out near the entrance to RAAF Base Gingin, a facility primarily used for pilot training.
This was one of four significant fires in the Wanneroo and Chittering areas, where temperatures soared to a scorching 41°C just after 2 pm last Saturday.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasted severe heatwave conditions to persist into the coming week across much of the state, including Perth and the rest of the southwest.
If you or your loved one has a lung condition, you are most likely affected by the smoke caused by the catastrophic bushfire.
Studies show that once bushfire smoke is inhaled, it can cause our airways to narrow and spasm, making breathing hard.
Even if symptoms are not serious enough to warrant emergency medical attention, exposure to bushfire smoke can lead to cough, nasal congestion, wheezing and asthma flares.
Be prepared for any bushfire incidents in your area by reading these three ways here.
Key Takeaways
- An out-of-control bushfire is posing a significant threat to lives and homes north of Perth, Western Australia.
- Emergency warnings have been issued for multiple areas, urging residents to act immediately for their survival.
- The fires have already burned approximately 2600 hectares, with almost 250 firefighters and support crew working to contain the spread.
- Evacuation orders have been issued, and residents have been instructed to leave if safe to do so, with an evacuation centre established in Gingin.