National

Residents told to evacuate as bushfire threatens homes

By AAP Newswire

Sep 16, 2024

A file photo of a WA firetruck — Firefighters in WA are working to save properties from an uncontrolled bushfire near Carnarvon. -AAP Image

Residents near the town of Carnarvon in Western Australia have been told to evacuate due to a bushfire threatening homes.

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The Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued an emergency warning on Monday afternoon urging people in North Plantations to leave their properties if safe to do so.

"Homes on North River Road are under threat by fire. Spot fires are starting up to 100 metres ahead of the fire," the department said in its alert.

The uncontrolled bushfire was reported just after 3pm (AWST) and is burning north of the Gascoyne River.

An evacuation centre has been set up at the Carnarvon Civic Centre. Firefighters are protecting properties near North River Rd, the department said.

A number of roads are closed in the area.

Superintendent Mark Bowan told ABC Radio the fire was moving quite fast and there had not been any property losses, though agricultural equipment was under threat.

"We'll get some cooling and that wind will drop off for a bit before it increases again overnight," he told ABC Radio.