Fire threatens lives and homes in Karrakup near Byford
Fire threatens lives and homes in Karrakup near Byford
12 February 2013
published by www.heraldsun.com.au
Australia — THE fire threat in Karrakup in Perth’s south-east has been downgraded, but there is still a possible threat to lives and homes.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issued a BUSHFIRE WATCH AND ACT at 7:30pm for people in an area bounded by Hella Kipper Drive, Nettleton Road and Manjedal Road in the southern part of Karrakup in the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale.
Firefighters on the ground and air support worked to slow the spread of the fire which has resulted in the alert level being downgraded from an emergency warning.
There is still a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching the area and conditions are changing.
Residents have been told that they need to leave their property or get ready to actively defend it.
The fire started between South Western Highway and Norman Road in Cardup and was reported at 3:19pm. It is moving in a north-easterly direction towards Nettleton Road and is described as out of control and unpredictable.
28 hectares of bush have been burnt.
Sixty volunteer Bush Fire Service and Department of Environment and Conservation firefighters are on the scene.
The aircrane, two helitacs, one helicopter and four fixed-wing water bombers have been sent to protect crews and homes.
The cause of the fire is unknown.
Fires in the South-West
A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for an area between Nannup and Balingup in the Blackwood Valley.
The Department of Environment and Conservation has picked up five bushfires that started earlier this afternoon following lightning strikes across the region.
Residents are being told to:
Stay alert and monitor their surroundings.
Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible
Aircraft have been sent to assist ground crews.
A bushfire ADVICE has also been issued for people in the Graphite Road area in the shire of Manjimup and north of Donnelly Road, due west of Yornup, in the Shire of Bridgetown.
The Department of Environment and Conservation has picked up four bushfires in the region that started earlier this afternoon following lightning strikes.
Although there is no immediate danger residents need to be aware and keep up to date.
