BUSHFIRE CHAOS: Perth’s South in Flames as 100 Firefighters Battle Out-of-Control Blaze with Unexploded Ordnance and Windy Conditions
- Residents in Waikiki, Warnbro and Safety Bay warned of possible threat to lives and homes as bushfire rages on
- Warnbro train station miraculously escapes damage despite being surrounded by a wall of flames
- Unexploded ordnance and windy conditions create challenging conditions for firefighters, with ember attacks sparking fears of new fires
- Replacement buses running between Rockingham and Mandurah as trains cancelled due to bushfire
Perth’s south is in chaos as a massive bushfire continues to burn out of control, with 100 firefighters battling the blaze amidst unexploded ordnance and windy conditions.
The fire, which is burning in parts of Cooloongup, Waikiki and Warnbro in the City of Rockingham, has forced the closure of large sections of Safety Bay Road and prompted a warning for residents in the area.
“The fire was quite erratic and there was spotting up to about 100 metres ahead of the main fire and fire activity in three different areas along Ennis Avenue,” said DFES spokesperson Rachael Robertson.
Dramatic video footage shows a wall of flames surrounding Warnbro Station, but authorities say the station was lucky to escape damage, with no reported injuries.
“Luckily nobody was injured. That was a result of quick reaction from the public in reporting it and rapid response by fire crews,” Ms Robertson said.
Firefighters have been working tirelessly to strengthen containment lines, but access has been made especially difficult by the presence of unexploded ordnance in the area.
Residents living in the highly populated area have been warned about ember attacks, which could spark new fires around their homes.
Conditions are expected to worsen with a wind change forecast for 3pm, with crews racing against time to get the blaze under control.
“All our crews are very fatigued but they’re going the extra mile now to keep the public safe,” Ms Robertson said.
Drivers have been asked to exercise extreme caution around the Warnbro area due to heavy smoke, and large sections of Safety Bay Road have been closed.
Replacement buses are running between Rockingham and Mandurah, while trains will continue to run between Perth and Rockingham.
A bushfire watch and act warning is in place for people bounded by Mandurah Road, Safety Bay Road, Read Street, The Avenue, Wilmott Drive and Seagate Street.