Port Denison bushfire: Blaze burning for six days jumps containment lines, upgraded to emergency warning

A bushfire burning for six days is again posing an immediate threat to lives and homes in the Mid West after jumping containment lines, with locals urged to evacuate.

The blaze has been burning in and around Port Denison since last Friday afternoon, with firefighters saving homes over the weekend after flames came dangerously close to properties.

The threat eased on Sunday, with the emergency alert downgraded to an advice warning.

However late on Wednesday morning, the fire was upgraded back up to an emergency warning after it had jumped containment lines.

People in the emergency zone have been urged to leave now. The affected area is bounded by Hamersley Drive, the railway line, north west to Gallagher Way, Sea Ripple Avenue, the coastline and south of Kailis Drive in Mount Adams, Port Denison and Springfield.

People north of Dongara Airport have been advised to leave in a northerly direction if it is safe. Likewise, people south of Dongara Airport should leave in an easterly direction.

The fire is moving in a south westerly direction and is no longer contained or controlled. It has razed 852 hectares to date.

About 50 firefighters are on the ground, assisted by aerial crews.

“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes,” DFES has warned.

On Monday, DFES incident controller Brent Allen said preliminary investigations indicated the cause of the fire was likely a fault with electrical infrastructure near Teatree Grove.

A Western Power spokesperson said they were aware DFES was investigating the cause of the fire and they were co-operating with them to find answers.

“In accordance with our usual processes, Western Power is conducting an investigation into the incident,” they said. “As the investigation is still under way, is it not appropriate to speculate about the cause of the fire.”

WHAT TO DO

• If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place. This may be with family or friends away from the area.
• Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger.
• Take your emergency kit with you.
• If you become stuck in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself with a woollen blanket, get onto the floor as the windows may break from the intense heat.
• Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home.
• You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you before the flames reach you.
• Go to a room in your home where you can shelter from the approaching fire.
• The room should have running water, such as a kitchen or laundry, and have a clear exit so you can easily escape.
• If you are not at home, it is too dangerous to return.

For up to date information, visit the Emergency WA website.