Bushfire threatens homes, causes evacuation

Pictured from outside the Margaret River fire station, smoke billows from the Ellensbrook fire burning towards Prevelly.

Pictured from outside the Margaret River fire station, smoke billows from the Ellensbrook fire burning towards Prevelly.

An out of control bushfire is threatening lives and homes in the state’s South-West.

The blaze has already burnt about 100 hectares between the Margaret River townships of Gracetown and Ellen Brook, a Department of Environment and Conservation spokesman said.

Residents and at least one school have been told to evacuate, with the fire expected to reach homes in an area south of Ellen Brook Road, west of Caves Road, and north of Margaret River within four hours.

A bushfire emergency warning has been issued for people in the Kilcarnup subdivision and in Baudin Drive, Prevelly in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River.

DEC is warning those who have not yet left the area to do so immediately, taking a survival kit.

“If you have not prepared your home, it is too late to do it now, your safest option is to leave,” the bushfire emergency warning says.

“Do not relocate at the last minute in a vehicle or on foot as this is deadly.

“If you are prepared to the highest level and plan to use your home as shelter, start patrolling your property to put out spot fires. If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to take shelter in your home and actively defend it.”

    More than 60 fire crews from DEC, Fire and Rescue Service and local volunteer bushfire brigades are on the scene.

    Two fixed-wing water bombers are assisting ground crews.

    The DEC spokesman said the fire was related to a prescribed burn in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park that was completed earlier this week.

    More to come…

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