Train services suspended as out-of-control bushfire rages south of Perth

Unexploded ordnance has hampered firefighting efforts south of Perth as an out-of-control bushfire continues to threaten property in the City of Rockingham.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services incident controller Leigh Bishop said firefighters faced really challenging wind conditions made harder by the terrain and fuel type on the ground.

Mr Bishop said the fire was still burning uncontained and uncontrolled and firefighters were restrained by unexploded ordnance in the park reserve where the fire has burnt through 50 hectares.

“That means we’re unable to employ some machinery and some tactics which we would normally do,” he said.

“So we’re heavily reliant on aerial assets that are able to be able to suppress the fire and, where possible, we’re using ground crews to be able to assist and manage extinguishment.”

Residents in Rockingham were told to “leave now” as an out-of-control bushfire burnt through bushland disrupting train services and threatening homes.

Firefighters are battling a huge blaze, with a watch and act in place for parts of the seaside suburbs of Cooloongup, Waikiki and Warnbro.

Residents were told to leave immediately if they did not have a bushfire plan, as embers blew around homes and threatened to ignite spot fires.

“Make final preparations now and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires,” a warning read.

“If your plan is to leave, leave now.”

Department of Fire and Emergency Services Assistant Commissioner Stuart Wade said the fire started near Warnbro train station and quickly spread with strong winds and high fuel loads about 7pm on Monday.

Mr Wade said firefighters worked through the night to slow the spread and protect assets, including the train station.

“There has been no damage to homes but the fire remains uncontrolled and uncontained,” he said.

“There are 140 career and volunteer firefighters on scene actively fighting the fire.

“Aerial support has been sent to assist, including four helitaks and three fixed-wing aircraft which have been dropping retardant to build containment lines and accessing terrain that ground crews can’t reach.”

Mr Wade said the bushfire continued to move in a north north-westerly direction with strong winds causing flare-ups and ember attacks well ahead of the fire.

He said a wind change was expected about 3pm so it was important for people stay up to date with warnings on Emergency WA.

“There are a number of road closures and disruptions to train services along the Mandurah Line,” the assistant commissioner said.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”

A Transperth spokesman said train services between Rockingham and Mandurah had been replaced by buses as the blaze burned in bushland surrounding the train line.

Passengers were told to allow extra travel time on services to Yanchep, as the fire caused delayed services all the way to Perth’s north.

“Trains will continue to run; however, they will not be running to the regular schedule,” a spokesman said.

“Please allow extra travelling time and be aware that delayed trains may not connect with timetabled bus and train services.”

Several roads in the area have been closed as 100 firefighters and volunteers battle the uncontrolled blaze burning in a north-north-westerly direction from the ground and air.

The fire was first reported about 7.08pm on Monday near the Warnbro train station.