Firefighters are being stretched to the limit as they battle two fierce bushfires in hot and windy conditions.
Two separate bushfires are raging in Western Australia, putting pressure on firefighters who are up against strong winds and hot temperatures.
An emergency warning remains in place for people in an area bounded by Canning Mills Rd and Mills Rd East to the south, the Powerline Track to the west, Suneca Rd to the east, and Versteeg Grove to the north, near Korung National Park in Martin.
“There is a threat to lives and homes,” the Department of Fire and Emergency Services warned.
“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.”
The out-of-control blaze started near the intersection of Canning Rd and Canning Mills Rd on Tuesday and has so far burned 96 hectares.
Acting Superintendent Adrian Hamill told reporters on Wednesday that there were more than 100 firefighters on the ground in the area southeast of Perth’s CBD.
“This morning we have cooler temperatures, but the wind is the significant factor in grabbing an ember,” he said.
“Then this afternoon, from around 2pm to 5pm, is our peak fire behaviour due to the heat.
“I mentioned that the wind will be dropping; however, it’s still significant at around 35km/h.
“If we get one ember come out or break the containment line, we’ll be chasing it.
“During the night, crews had a few flare-ups … and they quickly jumped on it.”
Several roads have been closed and parts of Carmel are without power.
A watch and act alert is also in place for nearby areas, including parts of Canning Mills, Karragullen, Roleystone and Kelmscott.
In a separate blaze in WA’s South West region, an emergency warning is in place for people in an area bounded by Ravenscliffe Rd to the south and east and Upper Capel Rd to the north near Kirup.
Homes in Nieuwenhuyze Rd and Upper Capel Rd are under threat by the fire.
The blaze started on Ravenscliffe Rd.
A watch and act alert is also in place for people in an area bounded by Cundinup-Kirup Rd to the south, Ryall Rd to the north and White Rd to the west.
While the fire is moving slowly, it is not controlled or contained.
Some roads have been closed as about 100 firefighters battle the flames.
The blaze, which began on Tuesday, has so far burned 450 hectares.
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