Crews get on top of WA bushfire

Crews get on top of WA bushfire

5 January 2010

published by www.abc.net.au

Australia — West Australian fire authorities say they are close to containing a bushfire near Moore River, about 100 kilometres north of Perth.

A bushfire emergency warning was issued for people living in the townships of Lancelin, Ocean Farms, Seaview and Ledge Point, but the fire threat has eased.

The blaze, which was started by a lightning strike in Moore River National Park, is heading towards Ocean Farms and has burnt through about 2,000 hectares.

No property has been lost or damaged.

The Department of Environment and Conservation’s Mike Cantelo says about 120 firefighters have been working through the night.

He says the biggest concern is strong winds forecast for later today.

“We’re looking about 40 kilometres an hour easterly winds and also a 40 degree day which tends to make the fire jump around a little bit,” he said.

“What we intend on doing in the next two or three hours is just locking this up and then starting with new crews during the day and doing a complete mop up of the whole fire and blacking it out.”