Australia: Emergency warning issued for bushfire on the southern outskirts of Perth, Western Australia, Dec. 5

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued an Emergency Warning for a bushfire in the City of Kwinana on the southern outskirts of Perth, Western Australia, as of Dec. 5. The fire broke out near Thomas Road and Discovery Street in Casuarina at around 15:49 Dec. 5 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 people in an area bounded by Treeby Road, Battersby Road, Marri Park Drive, Park Way, Orton Road, and Bombay Boulevard in parts of Casuarina and Anketell in the City of Kwinana to leave now if the way is clear; the safest route is to leave in a northerly direction towards Anketell Road. The DFES has advised that some roads may be closed in the area. 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).