Perth bushfire engulfs 20 homes, over 100 residents evacuated
By ANISunday, February 6, 2011
PERTH - Up to 20 houses have reportedly been engulfed by a bushfire in Roleystone in Perth’s south-east, while firefighters are simultaneously battling a blaze that had forced the evacuation of more than 100 people in the Swan Valley.
The dangerous conditions come as the Bureau of Meterology issued a fire weather warning for today and tomorrow morning, saying strong and gusty hot winds blowing from the east that were spreading the flames would not ease until at least midday on Monday, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
The strong winds have grounded two fixed-wing water bombers, with conditions too unsafe for them to join the fire fight, but four helitacs and one large ‘Type 1′ helicopter are in full operation.he blaze broke out around 9.15 p.m. (WST) Saturday and had burnt through about 750 hectares by mid morning today.
An emergency warning remains in place for four bush-edge communities in the city of Swan.
Around 150 firefighters assisted by five helicopters are battling the blaze threatening homes in Brigadoon, Baskerville, Millendon, Red Hill and Herne Hill.
Many residents evacuated overnight with 158 registering at a relocation centre at nearby Midvale.
The Fire and Emergency Services Authority has issued an emergency warning alert for people in the south-western part of Roleystone and south-eastern part of Kelmscott.
FESA says that lives are at risk, and that residents need to act immediately as the fire has become out of control and unpredictable.
Homes under direct threat in Roleystone are those between Chevin Road, Coventary Road, Urch Road, Peet Road, Brookton Highway, Old Coach Place. In nearby Kelmscott, homes under threat are between Stocker Road, Scott Road, Lang Street, Balgor Court, Kundyl Court, Narrik Court, Labyrinth Close, Patterson Road, Brookton Highway, Albany Highway, Turner Place, Brookside Avenue, Connell Avenue and Turner Road. (ANI)
