17 Oct 2023 | 11:51 AM UTC
Australia: Emergency crews responding to bushfire in Corrigin, Western Australia, as of Oct. 17
Emergency crews responding to bushfire in the Corrigin, WA, Australia, as of Oct. 17. Emergency Warning issued.
Event
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued an Emergency Warning for a bushfire burning near the town of Corrigin, Western Australia, as of Oct. 17. The fire was first reported around 11:40 Oct. 17 near the intersection of Brookton-Corrigin Road and Jose Road in Corrigin. The fire is moving in a southeasterly direction and is out of control and unpredictable. As of late afternoon Oct. 17 the fire has burned over 700 hectares (1,730 acres). The blaze is threatening homes in the area and the alert level has been upgraded due to increased fire activity.
The Emergency Warning is in effect in the area bounded by Brookton-Corrigin Road, north to Dry Well Road, Heal Road, Bruce Rock-Corrigin Road, Corrigin-Kondinin Road, Dilling Road, and Rabbit Proof Fence Road in the Shire of Corrigin. A Bushfire Watch and Act warning is in place for the area bounded by Fulwood Road, Gnerkadilling Road, Crossland Road, Nambadilling Road, Parsons Road, and Bruce Rock Corrigin Road in eastern parts of Corrigin in the Shire of Corrigin.
The DFES has instructed people in the Emergency Warning area to leave immediately if the way is clear. The advised evacuation route is in a northeasterly direction on the Babakin-Corrigin Road via Bilbarin to Quairading. An evacuation center has been established at the Quairading Community Building on McLennan Street, Quairading. If it is unsafe to leave, residents should shelter in their homes, away from the fire front, and ensure that escape is possible if the opportunity arises. Several roads are closed due to the fire, including Brookton Highway between Rabbit Proof Fence Road and Woglin Street and Corrigin South Road between Brookton Highway and Bullaring-George Rock Road. The DFES may extend or rescind warnings and evacuation orders over the coming hours and days. Authorities have not provided an estimated containment date for the fire; further fire growth is possible.
The status of roads can change over the coming hours and days; authorities could close routes within the fire complex and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and response operations needs. Traffic disruptions are also likely during reentry periods after authorities lift evacuation orders. 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 parts of Western Australia. Power outages and utilities that rely on electricity could experience outages within and near the bushfire 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.
