'Massive Bushfire Forces Evacuation in Cervantes: Latest Updates on Emergency Situation

A rapid response is crucial as the town of Cervantes faces a dangerous bushfire fueled by winds, impacting local residents and firefighters. Stay informed on the latest developments.

P24 News Media

November 27, 2024

1 minute

'Massive Bushfire Forces Evacuation in Cervantes: Latest Updates on Emergency Situation

India

A small community of nearly 500 residents is currently under serious threat as a wild bushfire continues to rage north of Perth, ignited by a vehicle accident just two days ago. Cervantes, a coastal fishing town located roughly 200 kilometers from the city, has been placed under an immediate evacuation order due to the rapid spread of the flames.

Leigh Bishop, the incident controller overseeing the firefighting operations, has issued an emergency warning for the town. The fire, which has been burning through vast, isolated areas of scrubland, is now perilously close to encroaching on residential areas. “We are preparing for potential impacts on the town site in the early hours,” Bishop explained, urging residents to evacuate promptly in the direction of Jurien Bay if the journey is safe.

Local officials have designated the Jurien Bay Sports and Recreation Centre as an evacuation center for those fleeing the blaze. Fire crews have been on high alert, battling the flames for hours under challenging weather conditions. Bishop noted that shifting winds have complicated firefighting efforts, creating unpredictable fire behavior. “Crews did an outstanding job constructing containment lines overnight, but today’s wind patterns have led to breaches in these lines,” he added.

As the situation evolves, the community has stayed vigilant, with residents keeping a close eye on updates. Local resident Sam Cash expressed her anxiety about the situation, saying, “Every summer we prepare for situations like this. We’re just waiting for guidance from the local authorities.”

Allan Berichon, a homeowner in Cervantes but primarily residing in Perth, is prepared to evacuate if instructed. He stated, “We fully intend to follow whatever orders are given to us.” Berichon remains confident in the community’s preparedness for such emergencies, emphasizing their resilience and experience in dealing with bushfires.

Tragically, the ongoing firefighting efforts have not been without incidents; a firefighter sustained injuries that necessitated an airlift to a hospital in Perth. St John WA confirmed that one individual, believed to be in his sixties, was transported to Fiona Stanley Hospital. Another firefighter received treatment for minor injuries at the scene.

Initial investigations revealed that the fire was triggered by a car accident on Monday morning, which resulted in the surrounding bushland igniting. Following a temporary downgrade in the fire's threat level, the situation escalated again to an emergency warning status by midday Wednesday.

The flames have scorched nearly 40,000 hectares of land, with about 200 firefighters currently on-site, supported by aerial units. Smoke from the inferno has spread alarmingly, affecting areas across Western Australia and traveling as far as 1,000 kilometers north to Coral Bay.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and adhere to emergency protocols. For those in need of emergency assistance, the SES can be contacted at 131 500, and in life-threatening situations, individuals should call 000. Due to road closures, travelers should check conditions before proceeding. For further updates and local warnings, residents should refer to ABC Emergency and tune in to ABC Radio Mid West and Wheatbelt.