Fires in Australia
Fires in Australia
4 January 2008
Fires in Western Australia
Perth Hills and Goldfield fire
Dangerous fire weather conditions were observed across much of central and southern WA today, with maximum temperatures in the upper 30s to low 40s, low relative humidities (particularly inland) and moderate but gusty winds. As a result, new bushfires started in the Perth Hills regions while firefighters continued to battle theWA Goldfields fire noted a few days before. The Goldfields bushfire that claimed the lives of three men earlier this week has breached containment lines on the western front. But a Department of Environment and Conservation spokeswoman said this morning that cooler weather conditions should help firefighters contain the blaze. The bushfire has been burning in the Borrabbin National Park, between Coolgardie and Southern Cross, since late last week.
On Sunday night, three truck drivers lost their lives after their vehicles were overcome by flames as they drove on the Great Eastern Highway.
The main highway between Perth and Kalgoorlie has been closed since the tragedy on Sunday, and is expected to remain so for another two days. The closure has resulted in food and beer shortages in Kalgoorlie. Meanwhile, firefighters continue to brave the harsh conditions to battle the blaze, which has now consumed more than 32 000 ha of land.
Bushfires have also started in Perth suburb of Parkerville, about 25 km WNW of the city. The fire has already burnt through 650ha of bush and two homes have been destroyed, two damaged and 30 others remain under threat.
About 170 firefighters from the Fire and Rescue Service and Bush Fire Service, along with two helitacs and two aerial water bombers, are tackling the bushfire, which was first reported about 1.30pm today.
Destroyed house on Brindle Road in Parkerville. Photo: The West
Burnt trucks. Photo: The West
source: www.thewest.com.au
