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Bushfire rages in western Australia, endangering lives

Thursday, 07 January 2016 9:14 AM [ Last Update: Thursday, 07 January 2016 9:15 AM ]

Smoke from bushfire, south of Perth, rises above a police vehicle and observation tower.

Lightening has caused raging bushfire in western Australia, endangering lives and properties in the area.

The blaze, which started in the Lane-Poole Reserve near the city of Perth in the state of Western Australia, was reported early on Wednesday morning. It has burned more than 11,000 hectares.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has warned about the threat that the fire poses to human lives and homes, as it is moving fast.

The blaze is now raging on both sides of the South Western Highway, causing several roads and recreation sites to close in the area.

The residents of the town of Waroona located along the highway have described the fire as “out-of-control and unpredictable.”

“I watched this amazing, ferocious thing. The speed was insane, it engulfed everything,” said one resident, Melissa Young, who left her home.

More than 7,000 people, including the inhabitants of Waroona, have been left without electricity.

The residents of the town of Harvey in the region have also been urged to evacuate immediately as a wind change is forcing flames south toward the town.

Wildfires are common in Australia’s summer months between December and February.

In 2009, a firestorm dubbed “Black Saturday” killed over 170 people and destroyed more than 2,000 homes in the state of Victoria alone.

Early in 2015, Waroona witnessed a large bushfire sparked by lightning, and the blaze destroyed one home and several sheds, cars and equipment.

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