Australia: Emergency crews responding to bushfire in Armadale, Western Australia, as of late Dec. 15

Event

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) is maintaining an Emergency Warning for a bushfire in parts of the city of Armadale, Western Australia, as of late Dec. 15. The fire started at the intersection of Richon Heights and Treecrest Gardens in Mount Richon at around 20:40 Dec. 15. The fire is moving in a northwesterly direction and is neither contained nor controlled. The blaze is threatening homes in the area. Around 70 firefighting personnel are on the scene battling the fire.

The Emergency Warning is in effect in the area bounded by the South Western Highway and Cooliabberra Drive to the west, Leys Rise to the south, Richon Heights to the east, and Treecrest Gardens to the north in parts of Mount Richon and Wungong in the City of Armadale. A bushfire Watch and Act advisory are in place for the area between the South Western Highway, Albany Highway, and Treecrest Gardens to the north, parts of Bungendore Park to the east, and along Rails Crescent and Herfron Glade to the south in parts of Mount Richon and Wungong in the City of Armadale.

The DFES has instructed people in the Emergency Warning area to leave immediately if the way is clear. Authorities have advised people to evacuate west along the South Western Highway. If it is unsafe to leave, residents should shelter in their homes, away from the firefront, and ensure that escape is possible if the opportunity arises. The DFES has also advised residents that some roads in the area may be closed and to exercise caution when driving due to poor visibility from smoke. An evacuation center has been established at Armadale Arena, 4 Townley Street, Armadale. DFES may extend or rescind warnings and evacuation orders over the coming days.

Authorities have not provided an estimated containment date for the fire; further fire growth is possible in the coming days.

Transport and Utilities
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.

Health
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).

Advice

Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected areas; road closures and detours will likely cause increased congestion and delays. Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in a "go-bag" that can be easily accessed. Charge battery-powered devices in case of prolonged power outages.

Resources

Emergency WA
Bureau of Meteorology
Main Roads Western Australia