Environment Perth bushfires

[gareth36]

I just heard on the news that bushfires have broken out in margret river they were caused by backburning that got out of control.

20 homes have been lost.

I hope that fellow bigfooty users in perth and the margret river area are all safe and sound and your families are too.

feel free to post updates on the current fire situation to keep us informed.

lets hope no one loses their lives as a result of this terribble accident.

 

[Bombers_Forever]

My thoughts are with everyone involved but the fact it started because of backburning.......gee. Didn't they look at the forecast to see how bad it was going to be? Hot, hot strong winds, perfect recipe for fire. You would think they could backburn when the conditions were slightly better (or there was due to be rain).

 

[policegetthatman]

Feel very sorry for the families affected. The fires look like they are finally under control.

 

[ioppolo]

They better get some very good compensation for this. It was something like 36 degrees with 50km winds on the coast.

 

[Messenger]

Bad conditions for a controlled burn.

 

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

Bad conditions for a controlled burn.

Department of Smoke and Embers is the name FESA call the Department of Environment and Conservation.

 

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire Watch and Act has been downgraded to ADVICE for people west of Caves Road, south of Wallcliffe Road and north of Mammoth Cave Road

There is no threat to lives or homes. Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date.

WHAT TO DO:
• Stay alert and monitor your surroundings by watching for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
The bushfire warning has been removed for people south of Carters Road, east of Caves Road, north of Redgate Road and west of Bussell Highway.

Thirty one houses, four sheds and nine chalets, including the historic Wallcliffe House, have been lost to the fire, while 16 houses and one shop have been damaged at Prevelly, Gnarabup and Redgate.

All closed roads are being inspected. Once declared safe, roads will be progressively opened.

An emergency relocation welfare centre remains open at the Margaret River Cultural Centre on Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River (next to the Shire Office).

Evacuation areas have been lifted at Kilcarnup estate, Wooditch estate, Wallcliffe House area, Prevelly Park settlement, Gnarabup settlement, and part of Wilderness estate. Evacuation remains in place in the Wilderness estate within the Yates Road, Rainbow Cave Road, and Redgate Road areas.

People returning into the area should take extreme caution as there may still be smoke across some roads and emergency and service personnel continuing their work.

COMMUNITY MEETING:
A community meeting will be held at 10am today (Sunday 27 November 2011) in the Margaret River Recreation Centre.

ROAD CLOSURES:
• Redgate Road west of Caves Road to the coast.
• Caves Road between Redgate Road and Rainbow Cave Road.
• Rainbow Cave Road, Malleefowl Way, Salmon Place and Yates Road – all west of Caves Road.
• Pearce Road off Isaacs Road.
Access to Prevelly and Gnarabup settlement will only be permitted to property residents.

Motorists should avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

RECREATION SITE CLOSURES:
The Cape to Cape walk is closed between Cowaramup and Augusta.

Contos Field campground and Calgardup Cave are also closed.

School leavers intending to go to the bushfire-affected area, including Prevelly Park Caravan Park, are advised to make alternative plans.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:
The fire remains within containment lines and weather conditions are favourable.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:
A reduced contingent worked overnight to allow other crews to rest and prepare for future shifts. Fire crews are patrolling and monitoring containment lines and subdivision areas with a focus on the Prevelly, Gnarabup and Wilderness areas.

Over 100 crew from DEC, FESA and brigades will continue to strengthen and patrol containment lines and focus to reopen roads as conditions allow. DEC will continue to burn out a number of unburnt pockets within containment lines, which have been identified as a potential threat to burn security if conditions worsen. Smoke from the burning out of these pockets may be visible in Margaret River and surrounding areas.

AGENCY RESPONSIBLE:
A multi-agency Incident Management Team is managing the fires, with DEC as the Incident Controller.

WA Health advises people experiencing adverse health effects from bushfire smoke to consult their doctor or call healthdirect Australia 24 hours a day on 1800 022 222.

 

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

Cont...
The following information will help you in the days ahead when you are able to return home.

ROADS:
Motorists in the area should take extreme caution when returning home as there may still be smoke across some roads. Beware of fire and other emergency services personnel who are continuing their work. Other things to beware of are wandering livestock, loose gravel, debris on roads, fallen trees and branches.

DAMAGED BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY:
Beware of unstable buildings and sharp items such as glass shards, corrugated iron and rubble.
If your building has asbestos materials and it has been damaged, wear appropriate personal protection such as respirators and particle masks.
Fire or falling debris may have damaged chemical containers. If you are unsure about handling these chemicals contact FESA on 9323 9300 or 9323 9333 during office hours.
If you suspect you have damaged firearms, ammunition or explosives contact local Police.
AROUND YOUR PROPERTY: Do not use water from your water tank as it may be contaminated. For advice on using rainwahereter after a bushfire visit www.public.health.wa.gov.au (enter ‘rainwater and bushfire’ in the search box).
Beware of falling branches, burnt out stumps, burning and smouldering trees.
Unless you can confirm power is off, treat all lines as live. Several power poles and powerlines have been damaged. Power has been turned off to most areas but please be careful.
Due to damaged fences, livestock from your property and neighbouring properties may be in unexpected locations.
POWER:
Western Power crews are working to re-establish power. Several power poles and powerlines have been damaged. People are asked to be careful of fallen powerlines, they are dangerous and should always be treated as live.

EDUCATION:
Parents are asked to contact local schools for advice on their return to school procedures.

WELFARE SERVICES:
The Department for Child Protection is continuing to provide services including personal support, food and shelter.
People can access these services by contacting the Disaster Response Hotline on 1800 032 965 or by attending the following relocation centre: Margaret River Cultural Centre on Walcliffe Road, Margaret River (next to the Shire Office).
These steps may help you and your family with your recovery:
Seek support from local welfare agencies
Encourage your family to talk about their experience with friends and neighbours
Rely on official information from authorities
Become involved in community activities as soon as you can
Children should return to their normal routine as soon as possibleANIMAL WELFARE:
The Department of Agriculture and Food, RSPCA and Augusta Margaret River Shire Rangers (9780 5222 or 0419 902 540) are assisting landholders with advice on assessment of livestock that have been injured as a result of the fire.
For help with pet welfare contact your local vet or Leeuwin kennels 9757 7456, Busselton kennels 9753 2163, or Brian Smith for animals which may have been left behind on 0427 387 412.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
Shire of Augusta Margaret River 9780 5255
WA Police 131 444
Western Power 13 13 51
Main Roads WA 138 138
Water Corporation 13 13 75
Telstra 13 22 03
FESA information line 1300 657 209

 

[stickman11]

I can smell a class action comming on. The head of the department should face criminal charges - negligence isn't an excuse in the eyes of the law.

 

[Underdog]

I can smell a class action comming on. The head of the department should face criminal charges - negligence isn't an excuse in the eyes of the law.

Will certainly be interesting to hear;
A) If they have set guidelines to adhere to.
B) Whether said guidelines were ignored.
C) If they have no guidelines beyond a subjective judgement.
D) If they receive appropriate training.
E) If they have the appropriate people making the calls.
F) If they have adequate resources.
G) If burning off is the most appropriate and only course of action.
H) If burning off in the short term was required.

You'd suspect combinations of those would hold different people responsible.

 

[brucetiki]

State sponsored arson?

 

[Clint Beastwood]

I know this is like a 2 year old thread, but I just read it, and I'd just like to say that this was legitimately the most frightening week of my life, without a doubt.

Mods, feel free to delete this post because I'm bumping an old thread.

 

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

DEC have still not changed much after this

 

[Clint Beastwood]

DEC have still not changed much after this

They're terrible. Apparently way behind on their scheduled burn plan but are too scared to light a fire. Fair enough, but most people I know would rather a better controlled fire in winter than what happened last time.

 

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

They're terrible. Apparently way behind on their scheduled burn plan but are too scared to light a fire. Fair enough, but most people I know would rather a better controlled fire in winter than what happened last time.

They lost a controlled burn in the Adelaide hills a few weeks ago

 

[Clint Beastwood]

They lost a controlled burn in the Adelaide hills a few weeks ago

Far out. As bad/worse than this one? There is so much hate for the DEC down here. It's like someone mentions their name and the reply is "oh, those wank*rs".

Apologies if your from here.

 

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

Far out. As bad/worse than this one? There is so much hate for the DEC down here. It's like someone mentions their name and the reply is "oh, those wank*rs".

Apologies if your from here.

Not as bad as Margret River but 3 homes gone

 

[Clint Beastwood]

Not as bad as Margret River but 3 homes gone

Still shouldn't have happened, useless f*ckheads. Forgive me, I don't like the DEC for obvious reasons.