Residents of Lancelin told to flee to the ocean as bushfire nears
Alerts for a fire that threatened an ice rink and theme park in Perth's south has been downgraded. Photo: AAP
Residents of a fishing and tourist town have been told to flee to the ocean as an out-of-control fire barrels towards them.
“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive,” WA’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said in a statement, noting Lancelin Road, north of Perth, was closed.
“If the way is clear, leave now toward the Lancelin Jetty.
“Do not wait and see. Leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger.”
The unpredictable fire is burning north-west towards the townsite, about 126 kilometres north of Perth.
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Locals have been told to close all windows and doors as they leave, turn off evaporative air-conditioners and try and keep water running as they leave.
Those who can’t leave have been told to shelter in their homes in the room furthest from the fire front in a room with two exits and water, such as a kitchen or laundry.
Lancelin is one of several towns issued with bushfire warnings on Wednesday.
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DFES issued warnings that lives and properties are under threat across the Wheatbelt in parts of Toodyay, Coondle and Julimar, about 100 kilometres north-east of Perth.
“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive,” the department said.
The emergency warning covered people in an area bounded by Trig Road, Coondle West Road, Julimar Road, Harders Chitty Road, Parkland Drive, including Sinclair Place and Donegan View, Julimar Road and Heine Road.
People north of Julimar Road can leave in an easterly or westerly direction.
An evacuation centre has been set up at Toodyay Memorial Hall.
Homes on Parkland Drive, Munnapin Rise, Malkup Brook Road, Sand Spring Road, Howard Road, Powder Bark Road, Sinclair Place and Donegan View are threatened by fire.
A number of roads have been closed, including Julimar Road from Chittering Road to Coondle West Road.
The Shire of Toodyay borders the northeastern edge of the Perth metropolitan area and has a population of about 4600 people.
The Bureau of Meteorology warned fresh easterly winds and dry conditions would lead to elevated fire dangers.
“There is also the risk of high-based thunderstorms with dry lightning, exacerbating the fire dangers,” the alert said.
Total fire bans have been enacted for the Perth Metropolitan, Goldfields Midlands, South West districts on Thursday.
Five firefighters battling the blaze were injured and one taken to hospital for treatment after their fire truck rolled on Wednesday.
