Chittering: Locals urged to evacuate as out-of-control bush fire engulfs part of property and threatens lives
Firefighters have been put to the test with the first major bushfires of the season, with several blazes erupting across the State, destroying property and forcing residents to evacuate.
Sheds and vehicles at a property in Morangup, near Toodyay, were reduced to twisted metal after they were engulfed by flames on Sunday afternoon.
Vision from the 7NEWS helicopter showed the fire on the McKnoe Road property reach dangerously close to homes on the block, as aerial firefighting support hovered overhead.
A watch and act alert is in place for residents bounded by Morangup Road, Echidna Road and McKnoe Drive, with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services warning the fire is not contained nor controlled.
Camera IconBushfire in Toodyay. Credit: 7NEWS/7NEWS
Meantime, people living in parts Waggrakine and Moresby, near Geraldton, have been told homes are currently under threat by fire and that it is too late to leave.
Residents bounded by North West Coastal Highway, Mary Street, Collins Road, Sutcliffe Road and Nerrel Street have been told they are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.
“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes,” DFES warned.
“Homes in the warning area are under threat by fire now.
“It is too late to leave. Fire has impacted evacuation routes and leaving now will put your life in danger.”
An evacuation centre has been set-up at the QEII Seniors and Community Centre at 88 Durlacher Street in Geraldton.
Camera IconBushfire in Toodyay. Credit: 7NEWS/7NEWSCamera IconBushfire in Toodyay. Credit: 7NEWS/7NEWS
The fire was reported at 10.30am and is moving fast in a northerly direction. More than 5500 homes are without power in suburbs including Spalding, Bluff Point and Woorree.
Another blaze is burning in Cullalla and Mooliabeenee in the Shire of Chittering.
DFES did issue an emergency warning but it has since been downgraded to a watch and act level. People in the area bounded by Cook Road, Cullalla Road, Barn Road and Bindoon Moora Road have been told to stay alert.
The fire was reported at 11.10am.
Camera IconResidents in the red zone have been urged to evacuate now. Credit: Emergency WA
