Supplies airlifted to stranded holidaymakers
Supplies airlifted to stranded holidaymakers
31 Dezember 2010
published by www.perthnow.com.au
Australia — More than 100 firefighters are battling the blaze, which has already burnt 5,000 hectares since Tuesday, with 30 tankers and four fixed-wing water bombers in assistance.
The Department of Environment and Conservation issued a smoke alert for Perth and parts of the South West as a result of the fire.
A Watch and Act alert was issued at 4pm for people on farms and in holiday accommodation and huts at the river mouth after the bushfire spread across the Donnelly River.
The fire is between Ritter Road, Boat Landing Road, Cleave Road and Scott Road.
People staying in the Donnelly River huts and other camping sites are being urged to seek refuge on the beach.
More than 50 holidaymakers at the huts were yesterday working with fire and DEC authorities to rake away flammable material from the properties.
The Scott Road containment line was breached yesterday but was quickly contained using four fixed wing water bombers and ground crews. A type 1 helitac is on standby if any further breaches occur today.
Firefighters are tackling the blaze, which started at 2.20pm on Tuesday, by burning out large pockets within the containment lines as soon as containment lines have been completed.
A helicopter will then be used to drop incendiary capsules into the unburnt pockets.
DEC officers warn this will generate very significant smoke plumes that may impact the Vasse Highway and surrounding areas and are encouraging people not to be alarmed.
This will continue tomorrow.
ROAD CLOSURES
The Vasse Highway remains open. Smoke is expected to spread across the Vasse highway and further north and west. Please avoid the area if at all possible otherwise drive with care and expect delays.
Public and local DEC managed roads in the area are currently closed to the public. These are:
· Scott Road
· Cleave Road
· Charley Road
· Dunes Road
· Pneumonia Road
· Jangardup Road
· Black Point Road
· Woodarburrup Road
Motorists should avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.
Experienced firefighters were today being airlifted into the huts and once containment lines have been secured, they will work with the residents to carry out protective burning around the huts.
All recreation sites in the D`Entrecasteaux National Park to the north west of Yeagerup Track remain closed.
The Donnelly River is not expected to be reopened before Friday evening, however this will be revised throughout the day based on the success of containment strategies.
People who need to leave the Donnelly huts prior to the controlled burning will be allowed to do so once the river inspection has been completed.
