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Whiteman Park blaze sparks emergency

An evacuation centre has been set up at the Altone Park Recreation Centre for people affected by the Whiteman Park blaze this afternoon.

A bushfire emergency warning has been issued for people in Brabham and Henley Brook, bounded by Lord Street, Henley Street, Murray Street and Woollcott Street, in the City of Swan.

A fire that started in Whiteman Park at 1.11pm is threatening homes and lives.

Homes bordering Whiteman Park are under threat by fire now.

The fire started in Whiteman Park and is burning on both sides of Lord Street, close to homes near and between Charlton Way and Park Street.

Residents are urged to leave immediately if the way is clear.

Residents in surrounding suburbs report ash falling.



Visitors were turned away from Whiteman Park as 55 firefighters battled a blaze in the area but now residents in Brabham are being evacuated.

The bushfire has slowed and is moving in a north easterly direction. The cause is not known.

It is out of control and unpredictable.

Burning embers are likely to be blown around homes and spot fires are starting ahead of the main blaze.

A bushfire watch and act has been issued for people in parts of Henley Brook bounded by Lord Street, Gnangara Road, Robert Street and Henley Street in the City of Swan.

Lord Street between Park Street and Harrow Street.


Smoke billows from the park fire> Picture: Tony Hansen/Twitter


The fire started near the Train Museum in the popular bush park.

Several fire crews on the ground are being supported by water-bombing helicopters.

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Police have closed the Lord Street entrance to the park.

Motorists are being urged to take care in the Ellenbrook area because of smoke.

The smoke plume is visible from across the city.

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WHAT TO DO

• If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.
• Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.
• There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.
• If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it.
• If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.


BASSENDEAN TRUCK FIRE

A truck fire has caused a shopping centre in Bassendean to be evacuated.

The fire in what is believed to be a Coles delivery truck caught on fire at the back of Bassendean Shopping Centre on Guildford Road just before 2.30pm today.

Truck on fire at Bassendean shopping centre. Picture: Ben Anderson

Helen Pavlinovich lives behind the shopping centre on Whitfield Street and said she ran outside when she heard a loud bang.

"I ran across the road to see if anyone needed help and I saw the truck was on fire," she said.

Ms Pavlinovich called emergency services as staff members from the shopping centre tried to put out the fire with a hose.

She said she knew the people who ran the centre's fruit and vegetable shop and was relieved to see they were all right.

Firefighters had extinguished the fire by 3pm but remain at the scene with police.