Australia: Emergency warning issued for bushfire north of Perth, Western Australia, Dec. 19

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued an Emergency Warning for a bushfire north of Perth in the City of Wanneroo, Western Australia, as of Dec. 19. The fire broke out near Wanneroo Road at around 13:58 Dec. 19 and is out of control and unpredictable. The bushfire is moving fast in a northeasterly direction and homes east and west of Wanneroo Road are under threat from the fire. 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 people in the area bounded by Walding Road, Old Yanchep Road, and Wanneroo Road, including people living above Emerald Drive and on or around Bernard Road South, Bernard Road North, and Delich Road, in parts of Carabooda and Yanchep in the City of Wanneroo to leave now if the way is clear. Several roads are closed in the area, including Wanneroo Road. Authorities may issue new warnings or update/rescind existing directives as the fire situation evolves over the coming hours; the latest information regarding warnings and road closures can be found here.

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).