Australia: Emergency crews responding to bushfires across parts of southwestern Western Australia as of Dec. 20

Emergency crews are responding to dozens of bushfires burning across southwestern Western Australia as of Dec. 20. Several fires have broken out across the region in recent days amid hot, dry, and breezy conditions. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has issued fire weather warnings across parts of the affected area through at least Dec. 21; further wildfire growth is likely over the coming days.

Emergency warnings have been issued for two fires in the region as of Dec. 20. A fire broke out near Lancelin in the Shire of Gingin during the afternoon of Dec. 20 and the out-of-control blaze is threatening homes in the area. Authorities are evacuating hundreds of people and those in western parts of Lancelin are being advised to evacuate towards the coast and gather at Lancelin Jetty as the main road out of Lancelin has been blocked due to the fire. Another emergency warning has been issued for parts of West Toodyay, Coondle, and Julimar in the Shire of Toodyay. People south of Julimar Road have been advised it's too late to leave and they need to shelter in a safe place. Those in the rest of the warning area have been advised to leave if the way is clear; an evacuation center has been established at Toodyay Memorial Hall, 117 Stirling Terrace, Toodyay. Bushfire watch and act and advice warnings are in place for surrounding areas. Sections of Julimar Road are closed and around 150 firefighting personnel are on site battling the blaze. More than 270 homes and businesses in the area are without power as a result of the bushfire. A watch and act warning has also been issued for parts of Callcup, Crowea, and Meerup in the Shire of Manjimup and multiple bushfire advice warnings are in place across the affected region. For details on the latest warning and associated advice click here.

Authorities could issue new warnings or upgrade/rescind existing warnings as fires develop over the coming hours and days. Depending on the progression of the bushfires, the status of roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities could close additional routes within the bushfire complexes and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operators. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region. Power outages are possible if fires damage power infrastructure. Authorities may cut off power to parts of the affected area to aid firefighting efforts.

Smoke from fires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees, plants, and possibly building materials. Such smoke can hurt eyes, irritate the respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Smoke may also worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).