A bushfire emergency has unfolded on Christmas Day in Western Australia, with residents in parts of the Shire of Gingin ordered to evacuate immediately as an out-of-control blaze threatens homes north of Perth.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) escalated the situation to an emergency warning level for the Cowalla area shortly after 2:20pm on Thursday, December 25. The warning zone is bounded by Moore River, Millbank Road, and Cowalla Road.
Immediate Threat to Lives and Homes
Authorities have issued a dire message to residents within the warning area, stating homes on Bidaminna Place and Millbank Road are under direct threat. The DFES spokesperson was unequivocal: "You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes."
The clear instruction for those who plan to leave is to do so now, heading in a northerly or southerly direction if it is safe. The warning stressed that waiting could be fatal, advising, "Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger."
Fire Behaviour Intensifies in Extreme Heat
The fire was first reported around 1:25pm on Thursday and has since razed approximately 150 hectares of land. It is moving in a south-easterly direction, with fire behaviour increasing due to the severe weather conditions.
The temperature in Gingin soared to a scorching 41.4 degrees Celsius on Thursday afternoon, contributing to the dangerous fire dynamics. A separate bushfire watch and act alert is also active for an area bound by Cowalla Road, Duringen Road, Moore River National Park, and Orange Springs Road.
Community and Travel Impacts
Motorists are being urged to avoid the entire affected region. Those who must travel near the fireground are asked to reduce speed, drive with extreme caution, and be aware of emergency services personnel and other vehicles.
The Christmas Day emergency adds to a series of extreme weather events across the state, which is enduring one of its hottest summers on record. The DFES continues to battle the blaze and monitor its progression, with community safety the paramount concern.
