Change in the weather helps firefighters control Bindoon-Chittering blaze
Change in the weather helps firefighters control Bindoon-Chittering blaze
22 February 2013
published by www.heraldsun.com.au
Australia — At the height of the fire yesterday about 150 firefighters were batting a major fire which was threatening parts of Bindoon, Upper Chittering, Mooliabeenee, Lennard Brook and Breera in the Shire of Chittering and Shire of Gingin.
The bushfire is no longer moving and is now contained, but not controlled.
The Bushfire emergency warning issued yesterday has been downgraded to a bushfire advice.
There is no longer a threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area. Although there is no immediate danger people need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
The efforts of firefighters combined with a change in weather conditions including moderate winds and humidity late yesterday led to the fire being contained.
The fire was started by lightning just before 11am yesterday and has burnt 2300 hectares.
More than 150 career and volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service and Department of Environment and Conservation firefighters in 62 appliances have been on the scene working to contain and control the fire.
State Emergency Service volunteers are also on scene assisting.
WA Police and the shires of Chittering and Gingin are also in attendance.
ROAD CLOSURE: Teatree Road remains closed between Donaldson Road and Mooliabeenee Road.
Motorists should avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.
LAST NIGHT
PerthNow understands that this evening, an meeting of the State Emergency Management Committee has been convened in reponse to the fire.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises that homes in the vicinity of Teatree Road and Hart Drive in Chittering were under direct threat from the fire.
At one stage late yesterday the fire had continued to grow in size, with three head fires, but the speed of the blaze slowed to 300m an hour.
The fire, which started between Lennards Road and Cockram Road in Lennard Brook just before 11am, is burning in an easterly direction towards the town of Bindoon and has already burnt about 2200 hectares.
Despite slowing, DFES states that the fire remains out of control and unpredictable, and the latest advice states that flames are up to 20m high, with spot fires are starting ahead of the fire.
“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive, there is a threat to lives and homes,” DFES has warned.
“If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place. Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.”
People should leave in a southerly direction via Chittering Road. At least 30 people have moved to a relocation point established at Muchea Recreation Centre.
The Aircrane, four helitacs, four fixed wing water bombers and one type 1 helicopter have been sent to assist ground crews at the scene.
Fire conditions in the area were extreme with the temperature reaching 41C and firefighters battling gusty winds.
