- Authorities suspect the fire was deliberately lit
- Fears there could be more outbreaks, as hot and windy conditions continue
- Residents have been warned their ‘lives are in danger’ and ‘action is required immediately to survive’
Residents in WA’s Midwest have been forced to flee their homes as an out of control bushfire rages on, leaving thousands without power and several schools closed.
The fires started in the coastal city of Geraldton, about 420 kilometres north of Perth, on Sunday.
People in Bluff Point, Spalding and Sunset Beach were warned it was too dangerous to stay at home, or take shelter if they could not leave.
‘You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you before the flames reach you,’ the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) warned.
‘Go to a room in your home where you can shelter from the approaching fire.
‘The room should have running water, such as a kitchen or laundry, and have a clear exit so you can easily escape.’
Western Power advised nearly 4,000 homes and businesses affected by the bushfire were without power, with some customers warned they will be without electricity until the fire has passed.
The bushfire is moving fast in a south-westerly direction.
Dozens of firefighters have been sent from Perth to help control the blaze
One home has been lost and hundreds of others are under threat from the fire
DFES Superintendent Mark Bowen confirmed authorities were looking into whether the fire was deliberately lit, with one residence already destroyed ‘from ember attack.’
‘It’s under investigation, but it does appear to be suspicious,’ Mr Bowen said.
‘That’s not confirmed, but all initial indicators are that it was a suspicious fire.’
A small asbestos shed has also been lost in the fire.
It comes as emergency services fear there could be more outbreaks, with more hot, dry and windy conditions forecasted.
‘We have very strong easterly winds gusting up to 80 kilometres an hour,’ Mr Bowen said.
‘Our main focus this afternoon is when that sea breeze comes in, all of the eastern side of the fire will put pressure on the control lines that we’ve established, and we may see further outbreaks later this afternoon.’
Dozens of firefighters travelled from Perth today to relieve locals crews who have been battling a number of fires in recent days.
The fire in the city’s north was upgraded to an emergency level, 20 hours after it was reported
Residents in areas of Geraldton who are not currently impacted of also been warned to prepare their properties in case the fire zone spreads.
‘Any preparation should have been done [by] now, but especially those on the eastern side of the fire, [people should] prepare now,’ Mr Bowen said.
‘There is a probability that the fire will break containment this afternoon, so they need to be prepared.’
More to come.