An emergency warning has been issued to residents of Waroona in Western Australia’s south-west, telling them their lives and homes are in danger after a bushfire escaped containment lines.
The residents of a northern part of Waroona have been told to leave immediately for a safe place if the way is clear as the fast-moving fire is out of control and burning within the town.
“If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it,” the Department of Fire and Emergency Services alert said.
The alert, issued at 3.10am WST on Saturday, said homes were under threat and advised residents to leave in a southerly direction along the South West Highway.
“If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected,” the alert said. “If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.
“Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home. Spot fires are starting ahead of the fire.”
On Friday evening the alert level was downgraded to a watch and act advice after the fire was contained, but it later broke containment lines.
The DFES said 150 firefighters in 40 appliances were battling the blaze and protecting homes in northern Waroona. An evacuation point has been set up at Waroona town hall.