The blazes have destroyed more than 4,600 ha of bushland and are currently being fought by over 200 firefighters. Nearly 3,000 people remain without power in the fire zone.
Bridgetown hospital evacuated
Bridgetown residents, hospital staff and patients, and the entire town of Bridgetown were evacuated Saturday. At least 200 people gathered at an evacuation center. The emergency department was closed.
Rick Curtis, the duty commissioner for the Department of Fire and Emergency Service, said that Saturday’s fire escalated quickly.
Although there are reports of affected properties to the north and north-east, he stressed that it was too early to determine the extent of the damage.
He stated that it was likely that Bridgetown will experience property damage.
“Providing information to residents about impacted properties is difficult as the fire escalates.
“While I can understand how frustrating it is to not know if your property has been impacted, community meetings and speaking with our staff are the fastest way to find out.”
An emergency warning remains in place for people in the area bounded by one kilometre west of South Western Highway to Boyup Brook-Cranbrook Road and the Mayanup Hall to the east, Greenbushes-Boyup Brook Road to the north, and for Tweed Road and Winnejup Road in the south in parts of Bridgetown, Greenbushes, Hester and Hester Brook in the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes.
Parts of Boyup Brook, Benjinuo and North Greenbushes are under bushfire watch.
The fire began near Hester Brook’s intersection of South Western Highway and Hester Cascades Road. The fire is currently stationary, but it is not contained and controlled. Around 150 firefighters are fighting the flames.
A Manjimup evacuation center has been established at the Basketball Stadium, Rutherford Street.
Residents of Denmark are worried about their homes
Many people living near Denmark didn’t know if their homes had been destroyed by the flames as the fire barrelled towards them.
Although fire authorities did not confirm any property losses yesterday afternoon, McLeod Road resident Susan Asher was concerned that her home might have been destroyed.
She said, “[There was] massive black smoke, a red glow, and the noises were awful.”
“It’s frightening… it just went insane.”
“We were told that they were available until midnight last night. It’s possible that it could be lost since the power has gone out and there is no water pressure.
“They claimed it was standing last night. [But] with the wind changing… we don’t know what to do.
“I believe it’s gone. It’s not, I hope.
Parts of Shadforth and Scotsdale remain under bushfire alert.
Parts of Denmark, Shadforth and Scotsdale are under bushfire watch.
The fire is uncontrollable and unpredictable, and it is moving in a northeasterly direction.
According to Western Power, electricity has been cut to approximately 400 homes.
A community meeting will take place at 2 p.m. today at the Denmark Civic Centre’s Lot 3 Strickland Street in Denmark.
Around 60 firefighters responded to the call, strengthening the containment lines and providing aerial support for the area.
The fire was first reported on Friday at 9:30 am.
At the Denmark Civic Centre, the back of the library will host a community meeting at 2pm today.
Despite showers forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology developing over the South West of the state during the day, there is still a severe fire danger for the central Wheatbelt and Great Southern, Inland west and south, and Stirling inland.
