Australia: Emergency crews responding to bushfires in the Shire of Carnarvon, Western Australia State, as of Sept. 16

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued an Emergency Warning for a bushfire in the North Plantations area of the Shire of Carnarvon, Western Australia, as of Sept. 16. The fire broke out around 15:04 Sept. 16 north of the Gascoyne River to the west of Bibbiwarra Road. The fire is moving in a westerly direction and is neither contained nor controlled. Burning embers are starting spot fires around 100 meters (328 feet) ahead of the fire and homes on North River Road are under threat from the fire.

The DFES has issued a bushfire emergency warning (the highest level on a three-tier scale) for people in an area bounded by Bibbawarra Road to the east, North River Road to the north, Cecelia Street to the west, and the Gascoyne River to the south in North Plantations in the Shire of Carnarvon. The DFES has instructed people in the Emergency Warning to leave immediately in a northerly direction if the way is clear. Those who cannot leave are advised to prepare to shelter in their homes. Some roads may be closed in the vicinity of the fire.

The DFES has reported firefighters are also responding to another fire that has broken out south of the Gascoyne River near Bibbawarra Road and the Northwest Coastal Highway in Brown Range in the Shire of Carnarvon Sept. 16. No further details have been given as to the status of the fire and no warnings have been issued as of late afternoon Sept. 16.

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 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).