Catastrophic BushFire Emergency Inferno at Perth Hills Western Australia

More than 500 firefighters continue to battle the Inferno at Perth Hills 4th day, with wind gusts of up to 70km/h expected to pose more perilous conditions, creating the risk of spot fires ahead of the main forefront.
The fire now covers 10,579 hectares burnt and has a perimeter of 110 kilometres. 81 properties have been confirmed as lost.

A second fire in Western Australia is only eight kilometres away from joining a 130-kilometre wall of flames that continues to threaten homes in the Perth Hills region.
Fierce winds have forced crucial firefighting aircraft battling a monster fire burning in the Perth hills region out of the air as 500 firefighters tackle the blaze from the ground.
The main fire has grown into a 130-kilometre wall of flames. Authorities fear wind gusts 70km/h could carry embers from the main fire front and spark further blazes.

Firefighters have so far managed to save around 200 homes.

Overnight, fire crews managed to slow down the Wooroloo fire and prevent it from reaching the Shady Hills estate.
The fire has spread in other directions and continues to threaten homes, with several new communities put on high alert.
DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm said the two extensive retardant lines laid by air tankers south of Shady Hills succeeded in halting the blaze and saving the estate.
The fire extended across the river to the north and ran into those retardant lines and was halted by those retardant lines, Commissioner Klemm said.
Speaking at today’s bushfire update, WA Premier Mark McGowan described the saving of Shady Hills as a truly remarkable achievement given the ferocity of the fire.
Strong south-easterly and north-easterly winds instead pushed the fire into Avon Ridge.
The fire’s northern flank, east of the Shady Hills estate, has also extended, creating fresh concerns as strong winds grounded WA’s fixed-wing water bombers today.

An additional aerial tanker has arrived from the NSW Rural Fire Service, with three now in operation dumping huge volumes of water along retardant lines when possible.
Emergency warnings remain in place, with residents in several suburbs being told to shelter in place as it is too late to leave.

People in or around Clenton Road and Berry Road, Gidgegannup, the Shady Hills Estate and East Bullsbrook are in immediate danger and are being told to shelter in place.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the situation will continue to be very dangerous as he commended the efforts of professional and volunteer firefighters on the frontlines.
Our concerns remain, of course, for those who are fighting the fires, noting that a number of firefighters have received injuries, minor injuries which do occur in the course of their dangerous work, Scott Morrison said.

More than 1700 homes within the fire zone are now without power, with significant damage to the electricity network expected to take several days to rectify.
Around 800 power poles and 100 transformers have been damaged or destroyed and there are also disruptions to the region’s telecommunications.
Authorities are concerned about the Walyunga National Park area, close to the Great Northern Highway, which could come under threat today.
One firefighter was taken to Royal Perth Hospital with hip injuries after he fell out of a vehicle. He is in a stable condition.

A disaster response hotline has been set up to support those affected by the fire. Residents seeking information about potential welfare assistance can call 1800 032 965.

Catastrophic BushFire Emergency Inferno at Perth Hills Western Australia

The intense blaze is sending smoke billowing over northern Perth, with communities and suburbs to the north of Gnangara Road and Ocean Reef Road, in particular, warned to beware of limited visibility on the roads.
Worst-affected are Gnangara, Hocking, Wanneroo, Edgewater, Heathridge, Bullsbrook, Muchea, Two Rocks, Yanchep, Alkimos, Quinns Rocks and their surrounds.
Drivers travelling through these areas are being advised to keep their headlights on, drive slowly and follow the directions of any emergency personnel.
The DFES said residents need to protect yourself and your family from the immediate danger of the bushfire first and foremost.

Residents whose homes have been destroyed or damaged in the Wooroloo fire will be offered up to $4000 in additional assistance from the Western Australian Government, said Mark McGowan Premier of WA.
It comes as Premier Mark McGowan confirmed that the total number of homes destroyed by the blaze now stands at 81.
Speaking at his daily bushfire and coronavirus update, Mr McGowan announced emergency funding of $4000 would be offered to families whose homes have been destroyed by the fires.

Those whose homes have been damaged will be eligible for $2000.
This is additional assistance over and above the Commonwealth Government’s emergency relief arrangements, Mark McGowan said.

We’ll provide further information on how people can access these payments as soon as possible.”
The WA Government has also donated a further $2 million to the Perth Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund.

The devastation caused by these bushfires is almost too much to comprehend. Many West Australians are hurting right now,” the premier said

Weather conditions continue to be dangerous, but firefighters are hopeful that rain forecast for Saturday and Sunday may bring some relief.

BushFire Emergency Inferno at Perth Hills Western Australia DFES Instructions

Bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING for parts of AVELEY, BAILUP, BASKERVILLE, BELHUS, BRIGADOON, BULLSBROOK, ELLENBROOK, GIDGEGANNUP, HENLEY BROOK, MILLENDON, THE VINES, UPPER SWAN, WALYUNGA NATIONAL PARK and WOOROLOO in the SHIRES OF MUNDARING and CHITTERING and the CITY OF SWAN

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING is in place for people in parts of AVELEY, BAILUP, BASKERVILLE, BELHUS, BRIGADOON, BULLSBROOK, ELLENBROOK, GIDGEGANNUP, HENLEY BROOK, MILLENDON, THE VINES, UPPER SWAN, WALYUNGA NATIONAL PARK and WOOROLOO in the SHIRES OF MUNDARING and CHITTERING and the CITY OF SWAN.

You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.

WHAT TO DO:

For people in the remainder of the Emergency Warning area, if you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear by travelling in a direction away from the fire to a safer place. This applies to ALL people in this area, including people who have been directed to self-isolate or self-quarantine and everyone subject to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

If you are in an area subject to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions leave now, to suitable premises or safer place, wear a mask and continue to follow precautions to minimise the spread of the virus.

Regardless of your location, continue to follow COVID-19 precautions and maintain appropriate physical distancing.

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for parts of AVELEY, AVON VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, BAILUP, BASKERVILLE, BRABHAM, BULLSBROOK, CHIDLOW, DAYTON, eastern parts of ELLENBROOK, GIDGEGANNUP, HENLEY BROOK, HERNE HILL, HOVEA, JANE BROOK, LOWER CHITTERING, MIDDLE SWAN, MILLENDON, MELALEUCA, MOUNT HELENA, MUCHEA, PARKERVILLE, RED HILL, STONEVILLE, THE VINES, WEST SWAN and WOOROLOO in the Shires of TOODYAY, CHITTERING and MUNDARING and CITY OF SWAN.

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people in parts of AVELEY, AVON VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, BAILUP, BASKERVILLE, BRABHAM, BULLSBROOK, CHIDLOW, DAYTON, eastern parts ELLENBROOK, GIDGEGANNUP, HENLEY BROOK, HERNE HILL, HOVEA, JANE BROOK, LOWER CHITTERING, MIDDLE SWAN, MILLENDON, MELALEUCA, MOUNT HELENA, MUCHEA, PARKERVILLE, RED HILL, STONEVILLE, THE VINES, WEST SWAN and WOOROLOO in the Shires of TOODYAY, CHITTERING and MUNDARING and CITY OF SWAN.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing.

WHAT TO DO:

If you are unable to return to your quarantine location within one hour, telephone WA Police on 131 444 to advise them you have had to leave due to an emergency.

Regardless of your location, continue to follow COVID-19 precautions and maintain appropriate physical distancing.

Bushfire ADVICE for parts of ALEXANDER HEIGHTS, ASHBY, BALGA, BALLAJURA, BANKSIA GROVE, BENNETT SPRINGS, BULLSBROOK, CARABOODA, CARRAMAR, CHITTERING, CULLACABARDEE, DARCH, GIRRAWHEEN, GNANGARA, HOCKING, JANDABUP, KOONDOOLA, LANDSDALE, LEXIA, LOWER CHITTERING, MADELEY, MALAGA, MARANGAROO, MARIGINIUP, MELALEUCA, MIRRABOOKA, MOONDYNE, MORANGUP, MUCHEA, NEERABUP, NOWERGUP, PEARSALL, PINJAR, SINAGRA, TAPPING, WANGARA, WANNEROO AND WHITEMAN in the SHIRES OF CHITTERING, TOODYAY and THE CITIES OF STIRLING, SWAN AND WANNEROO and in parts of BEECHINA, CHIDLOW, HOVEA, MOUNT HELENA, MUNDARING, PARKERVILLE, SAWYERS VALLEY, STONEVILLE, WOOROLOO and WUNDOWIE in the SHIRES OF MUNDARING and NORTHAM and CITY OF SWAN

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire ADVICE is in place for people parts of ALEXANDER HEIGHTS, ASHBY, BALGA, BALLAJURA, BANKSIA GROVE, BENNETT SPRINGS, BULLSBROOK, CARABOODA, CARRAMAR, CHITTERING, CULLACABARDEE, DARCH, GIRRAWHEEN, GNANGARA, HOCKING, JANDABUP, KOONDOOLA, LANDSDALE, LEXIA, LOWER CHITTERING, MADELEY, MALAGA, MARANGAROO, MARIGINIUP, MELALEUCA, MIRRABOOKA, MOONDYNE, MORANGUP, MUCHEA, NEERABUP, NOWERGUP, PEARSALL, PINJAR, SINAGRA, TAPPING, WANGARA, WANNEROO AND WHITEMAN in the SHIRES OF CHITTERING, TOODYAY and THE CITIES OF STIRLING, SWAN AND WANNEROO and in parts of BEECHINA, CHIDLOW, HOVEA, MOUNT HELENA, MUNDARING, PARKERVILLE, SAWYERS VALLEY, STONEVILLE, WOOROLOO and WUNDOWIE in the SHIRES OF MUNDARING and NORTHAM and CITY OF SWAN.

There is a lot of smoke in the area.

Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

WHAT TO DO:

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

The bushfire is moving slowly in a northwesterly direction.

It is uncontained and out of control with a perimeter of 136 kilometres.

Burning embers may be blown around your home. There may be a risk of spot fires starting ahead of the fire.

SAFER PLACE:

The Department of Communities has set up the following evacuation centres:

Brown Park Recreation Complex on Amherst Road, near the intersection of Salisbury Road, in Swan View.

Swan Active Midland – 16 Gray Dr, Midvale.

Beechboro Community Hub – 332 Benara Road, Beechboro.

People who have been personally directed to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19 should find alternative suitable premises and wear a mask.

If this is not possible, proceed to the evacuation centre and identify yourself to centre staff immediately on arrival.

Protocols are in place to minimise COVID-19 risk at the evacuation centre and you must follow the directions of centre staff.

Continue to follow COVID-19 precautions and maintain appropriate physical distancing. Please take any essential items such as medications and identification to the evacuation centre.

Pets (except recognised assistance animals) are not allowed inside evacuation centres for health and safety reasons, so you should make alternative arrangements for them. If this is not possible, please still proceed to the evacuation centre with your pets and await further advice.

SAFEST ROUTE:
It is too late to leave for people in or around Clenton Road and Berry Road, Gidgegannup AND Shady Hills and East Bullsbrook. You need to shelter in place or actively defend only if you’re prepared to the highest level. For people in the remainder of the Emergency Warning area, if you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear by travelling in a direction away from the fire.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:

A number of roads have been closed including:

The following roads are now open:

Please note there are dangerous road conditions within the area. Motorists are asked to avoid the area, be aware of emergency services personnel working on site, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke and other hazards.

Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting travelmap.mainroads.wa.gov.au or by contacting the SHIRES OF MUNDARING, CHITTERING and NORTHAM and the CITY OF SWAN.

HEALTH:

There is a lot of smoke in the area.

People are reminded that if you have a respiratory condition and you have been affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.

WELFARE

If you have been affected by the current Perth Bushfire, welfare support assistance may be available via the Department of Communities. Please contact the Disaster Response Hotline on 1800 032 965. Operates 24 hours, 7 days a week.

It is normal to find it sudden and overwhelming when a bushfire occurs in your area. If you are in the bushfire affected area and are struggling to cope with your mental health or wellbeing, take steps for self-care and keep in touch with family and friends.

You can also call the dedicated Bushfire Recovery Line, provided by Lifeline. Call 13 HELP (13 43 57) to speak to someone.

POWER:

Western Power has advised that around 800 homes and businesses are without power in the fire impacted area. There is significant damage to the electricity network in the bushfire area and it is anticipated that repair and restoration will require a significant rebuild possible up to a number of weeks in some areas. This will be confirmed once damage can be assessed. For details visit www.westernpower.com.au

REGISTER FIND REUNITE:

Register with Register.Find.Reunite to let your family and loved ones know you’re OK and where you are located via https://register.redcross.org.au

You can also enquire about a loved one’s whereabouts at https://register.redcross.org.au.

ANIMAL WELFARE:

For those in an area where it is not safe to leave:

For other parts of the warning area where it is safe to leave:

If evacuating livestock or horses isn’t possible, consider moving animals to a paddock with low fire fuel load, and ensure animals have feed and drinking water for several days of high to extreme temperatures.

Fences along roadsides should not be cut and external property gates should not be opened.

More information on managing animals in emergencies is available at agric.wa.gov.au

People who have evacuated and left animals behind, or may have fences damaged by fire putting animals at risk can contact the City of Swan for assistance on 9267 9267. Shire of Mundaring residents who have evacuated, can’t return and are concerned about the welfare of animals can contact the Shire on 9290 6666 and press option 8 to speak to an operator.

Wanneroo Showground is now open as an animal evacuation point to house livestock and domestic animals impacted and displaced by the Wooroloo fire. If you have evacuated and need a place to house animals, contact the City of Wanneroo on 9450 5000 or 0427 025 255 (after hours) to make arrangements.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development have 12 vets supported by the City of Swan and Shire of Mundaring rangers ready to patrol the fire area, once the area is safe, from Werribee Road in Wooloroo to Reen Road in Gidgegannup.

Wildcare Helpline: 08 9474 9055 or

www.dpaw.wa.gov.au /about-us/contact-us/wildcare-helpline

RESTRICTED ACCESS PERMITS:

Firefighters are working to make the area safe and accessible for residents.

When the area is deemed safe, residents will be able to return under a managed process. This will be done systematically, progressing from the eastern side to the western side of the fireground.

No Restricted Access Permits are being issued currently.

When Restricted Access Permits become available, information about applying for a permit will be updated in this section.

For more information about restricted access, permits visit the Restricted Access Permits section of the DFES website or

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

Firefighters are on the scene, actively fighting the fire.

500 Career Fire and Rescue Service, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service Volunteers, Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services, Parks and Wildlife Service and Forest Products Commission firefighters are attending.

Aerial support has resumed. The Large Air Tanker will continue laying lines of fire retardant in the area to assist with slowing down the fire.

More than 300 support personnel from DFES, DBCA, Western Power, WAPOL, Local Government representatives, Main Roads, St John Ambulance, and SES volunteers are also in attendance.

KEEP UP TO DATE:

Visit emergency.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter: twitter.com/dfes_wa, Facebook: facebook.com/dfeswa, listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR, or news bulletins.

During a power outage, your home phone, computer or other electronic devices connected to the NBN will not work. Include a battery-powered radio in your emergency kit.

Catastrophic BushFire Emergency Inferno at Perth Hills Western Australia