Residents near a bushfire burning north of Perth have been warned about a possible ember attack as firefighters work to douse flames.
Early on Sunday water bombers rushed to tackle the fire burning close to homes in Perth’s northern suburb of Woodvale.
The fire started within Yellagonga Regional Park just before 1am on Sunday, near Woodvale Drive and Wanneroo Road.
It has continued to burn for several hours through the morning, moving slowly north towards Woodvale Drive.
The blaze was contained but not yet under control just before 10am, according to firefighters, but changing weather conditions are making their task even more challenging.
Just minutes later advice from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services was upgraded to reflect a possible threat to lives and homes in the area.
“There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and conditions are changing,” an announcement read.
“The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as the fire is contained but not controlled and there are some pockets of ember attack.”
Multiple water bombing aircraft were in action about 7am, dropping fire retardant to help contain the flames.
A quarter of Helitak bombers joined the fight after 9.30am, as the fire continued to burn slowly in a north-easterly direction.
The helicopters made continual low passes over the fire zone, targeting the outer-lying ember attack areas.
They were able to quickly reload and return with thousands of litres of water from nearby Lake Joondalup.
A century-old building and one of Woodvale’s “last surviving links to the pastoral land”, Duffy House, is within the fire zone, as is a large mob of kangaroos that reside in the protected sanctuary.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services says residents who wish to leave, should leave now.
They also urged people to avoid the park, which is popular with cyclists and walkers.
Drivers have also been warned to be careful on the roads as kangaroos and other wildlife flee the fire.
An area bounded by Wanneroo Road, Whitfords Avenue, Duffy Terrace, Timberlane Drive and Trappers Drive remains subject to a bushfire advice warning.
https://thewest.com.au/news/bushfires/water-bombers-fighting-bushfire-burning-in-yellagonga-park-in-woodvale-c-18130392
