Residents in Denmark are on edge, with some fearing their homes have been lost to a major bushfire that continues to threaten the town on WA’s south coast.
More than 150 fire fighters and 16 aircraft are battling the blaze to the east of the tourist hotspot.
Key points:
- The bushfire near Denmark remains at emergency level with lives and property under threat
- Catastrophic fire conditions are expected tomorrow with hot, windy conditions
- Residents in the emergency warning area have been urged to leave early
Fire authorities have yet not confirmed any property losses resulting from the blaze, which has burned more than 2,500 hectares, but assessment teams had been set to enter the fireground on Saturday.
A forecast south-westerly wind change on Sunday could push the fire front closer to the townsite.
About 200 people attended a community meeting in the town on Saturday afternoon, when fire authorities urged residents in the emergency warning area to leave early.
Susan Asher, who lives on McLeod Road close to where the fire started yesterday morning, said she thought her house might be gone.
Ms Asher said she started to evacuate when she heard sirens, and the fire was close to her property when she left yesterday evening.
“[There was] black massive smoke, a red glow and the noise was awful,” she said.
“We were told they were there until midnight last night. The concern is it might be lost as the power’s gone out, there’s no water pressure.
“They said it was standing last night, [but] with the change of wind … we don’t have a clue.
“I think it’s gone. I hope it’s not.”
An emergency warning remains in place for people in an area bounded by Boat Harbour Road and Board Road to the west, Scotsdale Road to the north, Walter Road and Turner Road to the east, and the coastline.
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Fire chief says blaze far from over
Department of Fire and Emergency Services incident controller Craig Garrett said the winds were proving difficult, with resources tied up on the eastern and northern boundary of the fire on Saturday.
“People need to be vigilant. It’s far from finished,” he said.
“The winds have been going right around the compass. That puts pressure on all parts of the fire.”
A cold front could bring welcome rain but potentially gusty winds.
“The cold front might bring strong winds ahead of the cold front, the temperature might drop, we’ll still have strong winds and a dry landscape,” he said.
Catastrophic fire conditions are forecast further inland on Sunday with a trough pushing gusty north-easterly winds.
Extra resources are arriving from across the state to relieve crews.
Roads, national park closed
The Denmark Recreation Evacuation Centre has been closed, with evacuation centres set up at the Walpole Sport and Recreation Centre for those west of the bushfire, and Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre for those east of the fire.
Roads in the area are closed, including South Coast Highway between Parker Road and Sunrise Road.
William Bay National Park, which is home to popular tourist destinations Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks, is also closed.
About 1,700 properties are without power in the Denmark region.
A Western Power spokesperson said crews were unable to access the fireground to assess the damage.
“When it’s safe to do so, we will access the fireground to assess any damage before we can begin repair and restoration,” the spokesperson said.
“We understand the frustration and inconvenience this may cause residents in the area.”
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