A major bushfire continues to burn out of control in Western Australia's West River region, having already scorched more than 4000 hectares of land and tragically claiming the life of a local community leader.
Tragic Loss on the Fire Front
The blaze claimed the life of Shire of Ravensthorpe deputy president and farmer Mark Mudie on Monday, December 1. Mr Mudie was operating a front-end loader in a desperate attempt to establish a firebreak to protect his family farm when his machinery was suddenly engulfed by flames. He died at the scene.
WA Police have confirmed an investigation into the circumstances of his death is underway, with a report to be prepared for the coroner.
Firefighters Battle to Consolidate Containment Lines
Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) incident control officer Stephen Petersen said on Tuesday that crews were focused on the fire's south-eastern edge, which remains the main area of concern. The fire was moving slowly in a north-easterly direction.
"So currently, we’ve got crews consolidated in the south eastern corner of the fire," Mr Petersen told reporters. Water bombers have been deployed in the ongoing aerial assault against the flames.
Ground crews were working hard approximately 30km from the Ravensthorpe town centre, actively fighting the fire front and strengthening critical containment lines.
Community on Alert as Emergency Response Continues
A Bushfire Watch and Act alert was in place late Tuesday for people in parts of West River and West Fitzgerald, bounded by South Coast Highway, Lake Road, Mallee Road, Fitzgerald Road and Koornong Road.
The town of Ravensthorpe has become the operational hub for the emergency response. The shire's main street was lined with firefighting trucks and personnel, with the incident control centre established in the Shire buildings on Morgans Street.
An evacuation centre was set up in the town, however, as of Tuesday afternoon, no residents had sought assistance there or at the shire offices.
The fire has caused significant infrastructure damage. Western Power reported that up to 30 homes and businesses were without power after at least 13 power poles were damaged and require replacement.
In response to the crisis, a harvest and vehicle movement ban has been enacted for the entire Shire of Ravensthorpe.
