Sydney, April 3
An out-of-control bushfire burning in the suburbs of Perth, the capital city of Australia's state of Western Australia (WA), has prompted an emergency evacuation warning.
Residents of parts of the suburb of Ferndale, 10 km southeast of central Perth, were on Thursday morning advised to leave immediately due to the threat posed by a nearby fire, reports Xinhua news agency.
"You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes," a warning issued by the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) shortly before 7 a.m. local time said.
"If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place. Do not wait and see; leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger."
It advised residents to leave the area in a westerly direction and to take emergency kits with them.
The warning urged people who could not leave to immediately take shelter in a room with running water and a clear exit.
"You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you before the flames reach you," it said.
It said that the fire was moving slowly in a northwest direction along the nearby Canning River, but burning embers would likely be blown around residents' homes.
The DFES said that anyone who becomes stuck in a car should park away from bushes, cover themselves in a woolen blanket and get onto the floor of the vehicle.
The fire was first reported shortly after 4 a.m. local time in a conservation park along the river.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is terrifying! 😨 My cousin lives in Ferndale and just evacuated. The speed these fires spread is unbelievable. Stay safe everyone and listen to emergency services!
The warning about extreme heat killing before flames arrive is chilling. Makes you realize how serious these situations are. Hope everyone gets out safely.
Important to note they recommend wool blankets in cars, not synthetic! Wool doesn't melt like other fabrics. Little details like this could save lives.
While the warnings are thorough, I wish there was more emphasis on prevention. These fires keep happening every year - we need better land management strategies.
The Canning River area is so beautiful, it's heartbreaking to see it threatened like this. Fingers crossed the firefighters can get it under control soon 🤞
Just packed our emergency kits after reading this. You never think it'll happen to you until it does. Better safe than sorry!
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