Western Australia's capital has been plunged into a record-breaking heatwave, marking the hottest start to summer Perth has ever seen, while emergency crews battle a dangerous and suspicious bushfire several hours to the north.
Perth Bakes Under Historic Heat
The mercury in Perth soared to a scorching 39 degrees Celsius just after 1:30pm local time on Monday. This temperature easily smashed the previous December 1 record of 37.4C, which had stood for 46 years since 1979.
Thousands of residents flocked to beaches across the city in a desperate bid to cool off. Many others reported that the heat was so intense they dared not leave the safety of their air-conditioned homes.
A welcome change is on the horizon, with forecasts predicting the temperature will drop below 30C for the remainder of the week. Tuesday is expected to reach 29C, with a cooler 25C anticipated for Wednesday.
Suspicious Bushfire Threatens Geraldton Communities
As Perth sweltered, approximately 100 firefighters were engaged in a fierce battle to protect lives and property in the coastal city of Geraldton, located about four-and-a-half hours north of the state capital.
Crews are fighting the suspicious blaze in stifling conditions, with Geraldton's temperature surging past 40C. Strong winds have been fanning the flames, complicating containment efforts.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA (DFES) confirmed that one home and a shed have been destroyed, with about 130 hectares already burnt. "We're throwing everything we have at it to bring the blaze under control," a DFES statement said.
The firefighting effort involves Black Hawk helicopters and waterbombers supporting ground crews, with additional teams deployed from Perth to bolster resources.
Community Impact and Emergency Response
The bushfire is directly impacting the neighbourhoods of Waggrakine, Moresby, Spalding, Bluff Point and Sunset Beach. The alert level remains at Watch and Act, indicating a possible threat to lives and homes.
In response to the danger, authorities have taken significant measures:
- Schools in the affected areas were closed.
- Thousands of homes and businesses were left without power.
- Evacuation centres have been established at the QEII Seniors and Community Centre and the Northampton Recreation Centre.
Residents who have been forced to leave have been advised to take only essential items such as medications and identification with them. The community now waits anxiously for a break in the weather and progress from fire crews.
