Firefighters are making progress in containing a bushfire threatening coastal communities in the Shire of Dandaragan, north of Perth. The fire, which was sparked by a fatal car crash on Monday, has burned over 70,000 hectares of land and cut off evacuation routes. Despite the efforts of more than 200 firefighters and the use of air tankers, challenging weather conditions continue to pose a threat.
Residents in the villages of Grey and Wedge and the town of Cervantes remain under an emergency alert, with authorities advising them to take shelter and stay put. While containment lines have held firm in some areas, the fire is still a few kilometers away from Cervantes. Thunderstorms could potentially ignite more fires in the region.
Despite the challenges, there have been no reports of property loss or casualties. Some residents were rescued by boat as the fire cut off escape routes on Thursday. An evacuation center has reopened in Jurien Bay, and a community meeting is scheduled for Friday evening.
The fire is moving in a westerly direction and remains uncontained. With temperatures set to rise in the coming days, residents along the Ashburton Coast have been warned of extreme fire conditions on Sunday. Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and follow safety instructions to ensure their safety.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com