Weather fears as firefighters continue to battle WA bushfire

An emergency warning remains in place for Ocean Farm Estate, Seaview Park and surrounding areas in parts of Regans Ford, Nilgen, Mimegarra, Karakin and Orange Springs in the Shires of Gingin and Dandaragan.

Authorities say residents of Ocean Farm Estate and Seaview Park cannot return home because the forecast is currently for very hot, dry and windy weather over the next couple of days, which means there is a possibility of the fire escalating rapidly.

Read Next

In its latest warning on Thursday, the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services said the threat remained for lives and homes.

“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive,” DFES said.

A watch and act alert is also in place for parts of Wedge Island, Lancelin, Ledge Point and Karakin.

The blaze, which began on Saturday morning, is contained and stationary but not controlled.

DFES previously said the fire was accidentally lit, but now says the cause is unknown.

Incident controller Sven Andersen told reporters a significant wind change was coming later on Thursday, which would put pressure on some containment lines that had not been previously tested.

“We’re not out of the woods yet. Please don’t become complacent … there are still a lot of hot spots,” he said.

“If that fire breaks out, it’s only an hour away from those estates.”

Mr Andersen said firefighters were hoping to hold the fire in its place overnight and on Friday during the “high threat” period.

“The weather we’ve been having and the weather that is coming has really been testing us,” he said.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts the temperature will reach about 41 degrees on Friday.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said federal assistance was available to WA if needed.

WA Premier Mark McGowan said firefighters were doing a terrific job in difficult circumstances.

“The weather is obviously very hot,” he told reporters.

“If we need any commonwealth support, we will ask.”

Read Next