24 Oct 2023 | 11:00 AM UTC
Australia: Emergency crews responding to bushfire in central Perth, Western Australia. as of Oct. 24
Emergency crews responding to bushfire in central Perth, WA, Australia, as of Oct. 24. Possible threat to homes in the city.
Event
Emergency crews are responding to several bushfires that have broken out in Kings Park in central Perth as of Oct. 24. The fires were reported at around 14:42 Oct. 24 and as of the late afternoon they were still uncontrolled and burning in a northeasterly direction. Around 45 firefighting personnel are on-site tackling the blazes. Kings Park and the Botanic Gardens have been closed to the public.
Authorities have issued a bushfire Watch and Act warning for the area bounded by Lovekin Drive, Poole Ave, Thomas Street, and May Drive in Kings Park. There is a possible threat to lives and homes in this area depending on the progression of the fire, and people are advised to leave now if the way is clear, unless they are prepared and have a plan to actively defend their homes. A bushfire Advice warning has been issued for surrounding areas bounded by Aberdare Road, Derby Road, Onslow Road, Hammersley Road, Nicholson Road, Rockeby Road, and Bagot Road, including the eastern and northern sides of Kings Park in Shenton Park, Crawley, and Subiaco, Perth. Homes in this area are not under direct threat from the fire; however, there is a lot of smoke in the area. People in the advice warning area are advised to keep doors and windows closed and to monitor the situation closely in case of any change in the threat level. Motorists in the area are also advised to proceed with caution due to reduced visibility caused by the smoke.
The status of roads can change over the coming hours and days; authorities could close routes within the fire complex and evacuate communities due to fire activity and response operations needs. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.
Smoke and ashfall from bushfires may cause poor air quality in the impacted area. Power outages and utilities that rely on electricity could experience outages within and near the wildfire complex. Smoke from fires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees, plants, and possibly building materials. Such smoke can hurt the eyes, irritate the respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Smoke may also worsen symptoms for people with preexisting respiratory conditions, such as allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Advice
Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected areas; road closures and detours will likely cause increased congestion and delays. Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in a "go-bag" that can be easily accessed. Charge battery-powered devices in case of prolonged power outages.
