Emergency Bushfire Prompts Tourist Warning for WA National Park
Western Australia’s Fitzgerald River National Park has been declared an emergency zone due to a rapidly escalating bushfire. Located 500 kilometers southeast of Perth, this park is currently closed to visitors as emergency services work diligently to contain the blaze.
Emergency Bushfire Warning Issued
The bushfire was elevated to an Emergency Warning just after 1:30 PM on Sunday, marking a critical moment in the ongoing firefighting efforts. This fire is one of two significant incidents that the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) is managing along the state’s south coast. A second fire, situated 130 kilometers north in the Dunn Rock and Lake King area, has a Watch and Act status.
Response and Containment Efforts
Firefighters are actively engaged in strengthening containment lines through backburning operations. Aerial support has been deployed to assist the ground crews battling both fires. Evacuation centers have been established at:
- Ravensthorpe Town Hall
- Jerramungup Entertainment Centre
Residents and tourists are urged to stay clear of the Fitzgerald River National Park as efforts continue to manage the situation. The park remains closed to all visitors.
Community and Volunteer Support
Shire of Ravensthorpe president Rachel Gibson highlighted the collaborative efforts within the local farming community. She noted that many local farmers and volunteers are assisting to fight the Dunn Rock and Lake King fire. However, some may return to support efforts at Fitzgerald River National Park, as the fire threatens farmland.
The South Coast Highway is open, but smoke from the fires is visible along the route, impacting visibility.
Weather Conditions Favor Firefighting
According to Joey Rawson, a senior meteorologist from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), the weather conditions are currently favorable for firefighting. Temperatures are expected to be around 25 degrees Celsius, with relative humidity levels at 40 to 50 percent. These conditions present a notable improvement compared to the recent weather that exacerbated the fires.
Property Damage and Community Resilience
Shire of Lake Grace chief executive Alan George expressed concerns about the fire’s potential impact on local roads and communities. Fortunately, minimal property damage has been reported, with only one seasonal worker’s accommodation destroyed.
Despite the challenges, George praised the efforts of local farmers and volunteers, emphasizing their hard work and dedication in combating these fires. The community’s resilience is vital as they navigate this ongoing crisis.
