The small farming town of Ongerup in WA’s Great Southern region was under a bushfire emergency warning on Tuesday evening as a dangerous blaze was fanned by a severe thunderstorm sweeping through the area.
Ongerup’s warning level was upgraded late on Tuesday as “variable winds” fanned flames in multiple directions, according to a Department of Fire and Emergency Services alert.
Residents in an area bounded by Ongerup Creek, O’Neil Road, Magners Road and Peedilip Creek were urged to flee east towards Pingerup, where a temporary evacuation centre has been set up at Pingerup Race Club.
Another emergency warning was in place for people in an area bounded by Albany Lake Grace Road (Chester Pass Road), Tie Line Road, Jones Road, Hinkley Road and Old Ongerup Road in parts of Jackitup and Mindarabin.
Meanwhile, residents in another part of Mindarabin bounded by Ongerup Creek, Gnowangerup Jerramungup Road and Old Ongerup Road have been warned it is too late to leave.
Anyone remaining should identify a room in their home to shelter from the approaching fire.
It should have running water, such as a kitchen or laundry, and a clear escape path.
The bushfire was first reported just after midday on Tuesday. Firefighters are actively fighting the fire, and Farmer Response, bushfire brigades and the Shire of Gnowangerup are also in attendance.
More than 600 hectares had been burnt as of Tuesday evening.
