Australia: Evacuation orders issued and highway closed due to bushfire on the outskirts of Perth, Western Australia, Nov. 25

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued an Emergency Warning for a bushfire in the City of Armadale and City of Gosnells on the southeastern outskirts of Perth, Western Australia, as of Nov. 25. The fire broke out near Mustang Road around 15:36 Nov. 25 and is neither contained nor controlled. Authorities have not provided an estimated containment date for the fire; further fire growth is possible in the coming hours.

The DFES has issued a Bushfire Emergency Warning (the highest level on a three-tier scale) advising residents to leave now in an area bounded by Passmore Street, Verna Street, Corfield Street, Eileen Street, Seaforth Avenue, Koorden Close, Lake Road, and Ranford Road in parts of Champions Lakes, Southern River, and Gosnells. The Tonkin Highway has been closed between Ranford Road and Corfield Street. Authorities may issue new warnings or update/rescind existing directives as the fire situation evolves over the coming hours.

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 the Perth 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).