Residents in northern Geraldton are facing a life-threatening emergency as firefighters battle an out-of-control bushfire that has already caused widespread power outages and forced school closures across the region.
Emergency Warning Issued for Northern Suburbs
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services escalated the situation to an emergency level at approximately 6:20am on Monday, issuing urgent evacuation orders for residents in Bluff Point, Spalding and Sunset Beach. The affected area is bounded by Crowtherton Street, the coastline, Bosley Street, Chapman Valley Road and the Spalding Park Golf Course.
"You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive," a DFES spokesperson declared. "There is a threat to lives and homes. If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place."
Critical Fire Conditions and Widespread Impact
The fire, which was first reported around 10:30am on Sunday, is moving in a south-westerly direction, putting multiple communities at risk. Authorities have directed residents north of the river to evacuate northward, while those south of the river should move south if safe to do so.
Western Power confirmed that up to 605 homes and businesses in Waggrakine have lost electricity due to the blaze. "Some customers won't be able to be restored until the fire has passed," a DFES spokesperson explained.
The extreme weather conditions are complicating firefighting efforts, with temperatures expected to reach 42 degrees Celsius in Geraldton on Monday, accompanied by strong winds that could cause the fire to "spread quickly and be extremely dangerous".
Evacuation Centres and Road Closures
The Department of Communities has established an evacuation centre at the QEII Seniors and Community Centre at 88 Durlacher Street for displaced residents.
Multiple schools including Waggrakine Primary School, Walkaway Primary School and Northampton District High School have been closed for the day due to the emergency.
Several major roads have been shut down, including:
- North West Coastal Highway from Green Street to Chapman Valley Road
- Chapman Valley Road from North West Coastal Highway to David Road
- Hall Road from Chapman Valley Road to Collins Road
- Multiple suburban streets in the affected areas
DFES has warned residents who have already left the area not to return due to dangerous conditions including fallen trees and powerlines.
The fire came alarmingly close to residential properties on Sunday, burning a strip of land on the western side of Star Street in Waggrakine and missing an entire suburb by mere metres.
Additional watch and act warnings remain in place for several surrounding areas as firefighters continue their efforts to contain the blaze under challenging conditions.
