West Australian Premier Mark McGowan has described a series of suspicious fires in the state's south-west as a 'disgusting, disgraceful act' if they are confirmed to have been deliberately lit. Six fires were reported near Yallingup and Injidup at about 6:30pm on Saturday, prompting two emergency warnings for nearby communities. Authorities feared homes could be threatened within hours, but rainfall helped firefighters bring the blazes under control, and both warnings were downgraded to advice level by midnight.
Detectives from the arson squad are traveling to Yallingup to investigate, with police labeling the fires 'suspicious'. Premier McGowan stated that WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson had advised there was no evidence of criminality at this point. However, McGowan added that if someone deliberately lit a fire after the week the state has endured, they are 'an appalling human being'. He referenced recent challenges including the Wooroloo fires, the COVID-19 pandemic, and flooding in the north.
Meanwhile, the Premier noted that the state's Chief Health Officer is closely monitoring the situation in Victoria, with updated advice expected later in the week. A planned easing of restrictions with Victoria was put on hold after a quarantine hotel security guard tested positive for coronavirus. Currently, travelers from Victoria must self-quarantine for 14 days and undergo a COVID-19 test on day 11. McGowan said signs in Victoria have been encouraging but current restrictions will remain in place to ensure the virus is not lingering.
Updated health advice regarding New South Wales is also expected this week, as NSW approaches 28 days without community transmission. McGowan noted that typically the border is dropped after 28 days of no community spread, sometimes with an extra day or two. He stated they will wait for the Chief Health Officer's advice.
As schools in Perth, Peel, and South West regions prepare to return on Monday after a delayed start due to WA's snap five-day lockdown, McGowan thanked staff and families for their understanding. Primary school students are exempt from wearing masks, but all staff and high school students must wear masks at all times under transitional restrictions until February 14. Schools will have a supply of masks for exceptional cases.
On the COVID-19 vaccine rollout later this month, McGowan expressed a preference for a national approach to inoculation requirements, similar to flu shot requirements for some aged care workers. He stated it is best that all states and territories are consistent. WA recorded no new COVID-19 cases overnight, leaving the state's total at 907.
