Margaret River bushfire emergency: Lives, homes in danger as out-of-control blaze rages

UPDATED: A bushfire emergency is unfolding in the State’s south as two out-of-control blazes rage, with locals nearby warned their lives and homes are in danger and they need to act immediately to survive.

There is an emergency warning in place for people travelling along Quininup Road in Yallingup. The bushfire, which is not contained or controlled, is moving fast in a southerly direction.

DFES says people in the area are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.

Firefighters are on the scene actively fighting the fire and aerial support has been sent in to assist.

There is also an emergency warning in place for people in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park bounded by Redgate Road, Thompson Road, Drummond Road, Sebbes Road, Boulter Road, Bruce Road, Caves Road, Reserve Road and the coastline in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.

Campers have been evacuated and Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park has been closed as the bushfire continues to spread.

The out-of-control blaze, which sparked about 9.50am on Wednesday, is burning along Caves Road in a northwesterly direction.

Firefighters, who worked tirelessly through the night battling the bushfire, are still on the scene fighting the fire with the help of volunteer fireys and aerial support.

The fire had burnt through 1186ha by 10am with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services warning the fire is escalating in “heavy fuels”.

WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said the blaze would be challenging for firefighters due to the location.

“It is a fire in an area that is very difficult. DFES have just told me that it is quite a challenging area because there is lots of caves in the area, and they can’t get heavy equipment into where they would like to combat the fire.”

“They are bringing air tankers in, and doing every effort they can to try and get that fire under control.”

A bushfire watch and act is in place for people bounded by Rainbow Cave Road to the north, Harrison and Thompson Road to the east and Bussell Highway to the south east, then south to Chapman Road and Hamelin Bay Road.

DFES has advised all residents to evacuate the area before it is too late.

“If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place,” a DFES statement read.

“Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.”

Residents have been told to close all doors and windows and turn off any evaporative air conditioners, but to keep the water running through the system if possible.

People are advised to leave via Bussell Highway if it is safe to do so. A number of roads have been closed in the area, and motorists are warned to watch out for emergency services when driving.

An evacuation centre has been set up at the Margaret River Recreation Centre, and anyone requiring immediate assistance should contact the Communities Disaster Response Hotline.

The cause of the fire is not yet known, and police declined to comment on claims it was deliberately lit after a bizarre incident at the Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association’s Mammoth Cave attraction.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is managing the fire with help from local brigades, including more than 100 personnel, and waterbombers, helitak choppers and the long-range tanker from Perth.

DBCA incident controller Ed Hatherly said hot and windy conditions during a Statewide total fire ban was complicated further by the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge karst system of caves, meaning mechanical fuel controls were not possible.

A bushfire watch and act is also in place for people living above Rainbow Cave Road to the north, Harrison and Thompson Road to the east, and Sebbes Road to the south.