Major bushfires in the south of Western Australia have led to road closures and evacuation orders for nearby towns. The fire in the Fitzgerald River National Park, located 420 km southeast of Perth, is endangering lives and homes, as per the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). Residents and visitors in towns like Ravensthorpe, with a population of about 2,000, have been instructed to evacuate immediately if it is safe to do so.
The DFES warning emphasized the urgent need for action to survive the fire threat. Those opting to remain have been advised to seek shelter indoors before the fire reaches their area due to the extreme heat risk. The bushfire, ignited by a lightning strike on January 16, has already consumed over 60,000 hectares of land by Friday morning. Additionally, a major highway west of Ravensthorpe has been shut down, and an evacuation center has been set up in Newdegate town to the north of the fire.
Apart from the Fitzgerald River National Park blaze, three other significant fires were reported in southwest WA. Around 1,500 residents from four small towns situated approximately 120 km southeast of Perth have been issued evacuation orders due to an uncontrolled bushfire moving northeast. Lower-level emergency warnings have been issued for fires in the Dunn Rock Nature Reserve and near Green Range, prompting residents to stay vigilant and consider immediate evacuation if necessary.
