Bushfire continues to burn
A bushfire burning south-east of Northcliffe is expected to burn more than 30,000 hectares of bushland over the next three to five days.
Picture by Georgia Loney
As of yesterday the fire, caused by a lightning strike last Thursday, had burnt more than 15,000 hectares and was held at containment lines 13km south-east of Northcliffe.
Speaking from Northcliffe Town Hall yesterday, Department of Environment and Conservation information officer Drew Griffiths said that while the fire was contained, parts were not yet under control.
‘‘There are large pockets within the containment lines still burning out of control,’’ Mr Griffiths said.
‘‘The fire jumped containment lines twice on Monday night, but as of 5am Tuesday morning it was contained.’’
There had been no loss of property at that time, though Mr Griffiths said they had boundaries in place at which they could give property owners and residents three hours warning of an approaching fire.
Mr Griffiths said both the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Fire and Emergency Services Authority were confident about keeping the fire contained.
‘‘The behaviour of the fire has been very fierce with large fronts and very high flames, but the weather over the next few days is reasonably good, from our point of view.’’
Resident Catrin Iversen lives on property10km west of Northcliffe and said her property had been shrouded in thick black smoke since Saturday.
‘‘There has been ash rain constantly... it is pretty scary but we are safe at this stage. We have friends on property east of town who have had to pack up and leave,’’ Ms Iversen said.
‘‘The briefing at the town hall Monday afternoon was very good, very helpful.’’
Global Warming Forest Group member Mark Sheehan said the fire would be devastating for native flora and fauna.
The fire was one of 15 started by lightning last Thursday which authorities were unable to contain by Saturday afternoon.
For all the latest information visit the Alerts and Warnings page at www.fesa.wa.gov.au.