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Bushfire threatening lives and homes in WA, with evacuation centre set up in Margaret River

Angie Raphael and Matt YoungNCA NewsWire
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A bushfire evacuation centre has been set up in a popular tourist town in Western Australia as a fierce blaze threatens lives and homes.

Visitors have been evacuated from a number of attractions including the Conto campground and Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park in WA’s southwest as the fire raged into the night. The park is closed until further notice due to the fire.

More than 100 firefighters were tackling the blaze overnight with WA Parks and Wildlife district fire coordinator Ed Hatherley telling the ABC the fire was expressing “aggressive behaviour”.

An emergency warning has been issued for people in an area south of Redgate Road, east to Caves Road and south to Sebbes Road and north of Point Road in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River.

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Earlier, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services warned: “You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.”

“The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as the fire is escalating in heavy fuels.

“Rural properties on Calgardup Rd will be under threat within three hours.”

The out-of-control fire started near the intersection of Caves Rd and Calgardup Rd in Boranup. No property has been damaged at this stage.

An evacuation centre has been established at the Margaret River Recreation Centre.

Residents have been told to leave their homes immediately for a safer place.

“Do not wait and see — leaving at the last minute is deadly,” DFES warned.

People in any form of isolation or quarantine for Covid-19 must “do whatever you need to protect your life” but find alternative accommodation, wear a mask and maintain physical distancing.

Waterbombers have been dispatched to the area as firefighters continue to battle the blaze on the ground.

The fire was reported just after 9am on Wednesday and has burnt through 100 hectares.

Originally published as Bushfire threatening lives and homes in WA, with evacuation centre set up in Margaret River

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