Firefighters are responding to a bushfire emergency in Perth’s north-east, with residents urged to “act immediately to survive”.
An emergency bushfire warning was issued for parts of Red Hill, Millendon, Herne Hill and Baskerville on Tuesday afternoon.
The bushfire was reported to authorities about 12.40pm after it started near Toodyay Road in Gidgegannup.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services says the blaze has placed residents and homes in the area bounded by Haddrill Road to the north, Railway Crescent to the west, Stock Road, Neuman Road and Toodyay Road to the south and Red Hill Quarry to the east in parts of Red Hill, Millendon, Herne Hill and Baskerville.
“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive,” DFES has warned.
Those who are unable to leave need to prepare to shelter inside their homes.
The safest way to leave is in a westerly direction.
The bushfire is not contained or controlled and is moving in a northwesterly direction.
“The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as fire intensity has increased,” the DFES alert states.
“Do not wait and see; leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger.”
An evacuation centre has been opened at Brown Park Recreation Complex on Salisbury Road in Swan View.
Firefighters and numerous water bombers are at the scene, actively fighting the fire.
A watch and act alert is current for people in the area bounded by Burgess Road, Toodyay Road, Scott Road and Red Hill Quarry in Gidgegannup.
Another watch and act has been issued for people bounded by Haddrill Road, Oakover Road and Railway Crescent in parts of Baskerville, Herne Hill, Middle Swan and Millendon.
People are urged to leave now if the way is clear.
“If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now,” DFES warns.
It comes as a Kwinana bushfire, which started around 12:55pm near the intersection of Parsons Avenue and Chisham Avenue in Parmelia, was downgraded to an advice-level warning.
DFES issued the advice for people bounded by Hennessey Avenue to the north, Calista Avenue to the west, Wellard Road to the south and the train line to the east.
The fire has been downgraded from a watch and act alert to an advice level after firefighters contained and brought it under control.
A number of roads were closed as a result of the Kwinana fire, including Chisholm Road between Tanson Road and Cowling Way.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke.
Visit Emergency WA, call 13 DFES , follow DFES on Facebook for more updates.
Source Agencies
