The Perth Thread

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

Just heard a chopper go out- think only one -they normally go out in pairs so I wondered what was going on. The wind sprung up here in Perth about an hour ago.
Do the helitacs work at night? I thought it was too dangerous.

They only send aircraft out if they have to but most Air cranes have the same lights as police airwing

 

[Teriyakicat]

They only send aircraft out if they have to but most Air cranes have the same lights as police airwing

I was thinking more of smoke and strong winds near the fire making it hard. Guess they use them if they have to, yeah.
Plus it gives the ground crew some relief.

 

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

Bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING for Waroona in the Shire of Waroona
Saturday 31 January 2015 - 9:31 PM
A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING remains in place for people in the Waroona townsite, in an area bounded by Nanga Brook Road, Hill Street, McLartey Street and Paganini Road, in the Shire of Waroona.

• You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.
• The fire started south of Forrington Heights and is burning within the Waroona townsite.
• Easterly winds are expected to strengthen from 10pm this evening, this could challenge containment lines.
BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:
• The fire is uncontrolled at this stage.
• There is currently no running fire, but it remains burning around the townsite and an increase in winds is causing concern.
• Burning embers may be blown around your home.
WHAT TO DO:
• If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.
• Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.
• If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.
• If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it.
• If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.
SAFEST ROUTE:
• Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.
• Residents in Waroona can leave in a southerly direction.
RELOCATION POINT:
The emergency relocation point is located at the Harvey Recreation and Culture Centre, located at the showgrounds. Entry is via Tom Latch Drive.
PLACE OF LAST RESORT:
• If you cannot shelter in your home, a safer place you can go is a local open space, shed, swimming pool, dam or building where you may go to seek shelter from a bushfire.
• This will give you some protection from the effects of a bushfire.
• Take water, woollen blankets and wear protective clothing.
ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people surrounding the townsite of Waroona bounded by Peel Road, South West Highway, James Road, Paganini Road and Lake Moyanup.

• There is a possible threat to lives and homes as the fire has the potential to impact the area.
• You need to leave or get ready to actively defend.
ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for people surrounding the townsite of Waroona bounded by Brockman Road, Mayfield Road, James Road and the Southwestern Highway in the Shire of Waroona.

• There is no threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.
• Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
WHAT TO DO:
• If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.
• If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.
• Do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.
• If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

ROAD CLOSURES:
Hill Street at Nanga Brook Road
Hill Street at Elliot Street
Hill Street at Millar Street
Lyons Road at Weir Road
South West Highway is now open with restrictions in place, between the intersection of Greenlands Road to the north of Waroona and Willowdale Road to the south.
Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au
POWER:
• Western Power is assisting at the fire control point.
• The fire has destroyed powerlines and 8 power poles and electricity equipment in the Waroona area.
• Approximately 48 customers are without power due to the fire.
• Western Power crews have commenced rebuilding the network in the fire zone.
• If you see a fallen powerline, stay well clear and make the safe call to Western Power's 24/7 emergency line on 13 13 51.
• For further details visit www.westernpower.com.au

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:
• Firefighters will be working throughout the night on stregthening containment lines and putting out spot fires on the fire perimeter. Additional crews are also on standby for asset protection should the situation change.
• 150 career and volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service, Volunteer Fire Service and Department of Parks and Wildlife firefighters are on the scene.
• State Emergency Service volunteers, WA Police and St John Ambulance are also in attendance.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
• The fire was reported at 2.31am on 29 January and currently there has been 338 hectares burnt.
• Telephone text and voice messages have been issued to people in Waroona.
• The cause of the fire is lightning.
• One house and a number of sheds, vehicles and equipment have been confirmed lost.
• DFES is managing the fire.
• People in the area who have relocated can register their whereabouts or inquire about the location of loved ones at the evacuation centre or online for 'Register.Find. Reunite' at www.redcross.org.au.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa, listen to ABC local radio, or news bulletins.
Updates will be provided every hour unless the situation changes

 

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

Bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING for Shannon National Park in the Shire of Manjimup
Saturday 31 January 2015 - 9:30 PM
A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING has been issued for people in the vicinity of Shannon National Park, 20km east south-east of Northcliffe, in the Shire of Manjimup.

• 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 has broken containment lines.
• Homes in the area bounded by Boorara Road, Moore Road, Preston Road and Bannister Road will be under threat by fire in less than one hour.
• The fire started in the national park as a result of a lightning strike. Crews are actively dealing with hopovers west of Deeside Coast Road which are burning towards an area south of Middleton Road, east of Muirillup Road and north of Dean Road.
• There is a lot of smoke and drivers are urged to avoid the area surrounding the national park.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

• The bushfire is moving in a westerly direction.
• It is out of control and unpredictable.
• Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home. Spot fires are starting up to 100 metres ahead of the fire.
• Flames are up to 20 metres high.

WHAT TO DO:

• If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.
• Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.
• There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.
• If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it.
• If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.

SAFER PLACE:
Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.
ROAD CLOSURES:
Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.
A number of roads have been closed including:

• Deeside Coast Road between Preston Road and Nelson Road
• Nelson Road between Deeside Coast Road and Dog Road
• Dog Road to Preston Road
• Preston Road to Deeside Coast Road
• Logging Road and O'Sullivan 12 track are also closed.

Road information may also be available by calling Main Roads WA on 138 138 (or visit www.mainroads.wa.gov.au) or the Shire of Manjimup.

RECREATION SITE CLOSURES:
The Munda Biddi Trail and Bibbulmun Track are closed between Northcliffe and Walpole.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

• Firefighters from the Department of Parks and Wildlife and local volunteer bush fire brigades are undertaking aggressive direct attack on the fire.
• Aerial support cannot operate in the dark and have been released from the incident. If needed they will return at first light.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

• The fire was reported at 10am on Friday 30 January.
• The cause of the fire is lightning.
• The Department of Parks and Wildlife is managing the fire.

KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.dpaw.wa.gov.au,www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow Parks and Wildlife on Facebook or Twitter @WAParksWildlife, listen to ABC local radio or news bulletins.

Updates will be provided every hour unless the situation changes

 

[Teriyakicat]

to all those people working in those locations- from the Red Cross volunteers, Cops, Western Power crews and fireys to the volunteers ferrying people around, the people preparing meals, cool drinks etc. They're all such wonderful wonderful people!

 

[Teriyakicat]

Waroona has gone **** up. Fire reached the town. Everyone at footy oval. Fire trucks coming from everywhere. Eastely wind changed everything

How are you guys today? Just saw the helitacs leave again for their day's work. Must've had a problem last night cos they were out till late, I think. I didn't hear them come back.
Hope you're allowed back home soon!

 

[Teriyakicat]

Just noticed fire has been downgraded to Watch and Act.
Good news - it didn't break the containment lines.
Great work by all involved.

 

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

How are you guys today? Just saw the helitacs leave again for their day's work. Must've had a problem last night cos they were out till late, I think. I didn't hear them come back.
Hope you're allowed back home soon!

Helitacs were sent to Shannon National Park as homes are set to be hit by fire

 

[bradrowe#32]

How are you guys today? Just saw the helitacs leave again for their day's work. Must've had a problem last night cos they were out till late, I think. I didn't hear them come back.
Hope you're allowed back home soon!

Weather has really calmed down and there's hardly any wind. Fireys seem to be on top of it all. The towns pretty smokey, but everything seems fine.

 

[Teriyakicat]

Helitacs were sent to Shannon National Park as homes are set to be hit by fire

Ahhhh... I hadn't seen that. Thanks. Hopefully the winds die down out there

 

[Teriyakicat]

Weather has really calmed down and there's hardly any wind. Fireys seem to be on top of it all. The towns pretty smokey, but everything seems fine.

That's great- any news on going home?

 

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

Weather has really calmed down and there's hardly any wind. Fireys seem to be on top of it all. The towns pretty smokey, but everything seems fine.

Diverting resources away from Waroona to Shannon National Park & Boddington fires

 

[bradrowe#32]

That's great- any news on going home?

We actually came home at 8am yesterday. We were told of roadblocks, but we didn't see anything. Our part of town was fine.

 

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for the southern part of Lower Hotham in the Shire of Boddington
Sunday 1 February 2015 - 10:09 AM
A bushfire WATCH AND ACT remains in place for people in the southern part of Lower Hotham, in an area bounded by Harvey-Quindanning Road, Lower Hotham Road and Long Gully Road, in the Shire of Boddington.
• There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and conditions are changing.
• You need to leave or get ready to actively defend.
• The fire started west of Lower Hotham Road and north of Harvey-Quindanning Road and is burning in forest.
BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:
• The bushfire is moving slowly in a west south westerly direction.
• It is out of control and unpredictable.
• The fire front is 10 kilometres long.
• The wind shift forecast for the morning has occurred, and although it was not as strong as expected it is expected to pick up during the day.
• This means homes along the Hotham River and Lower Hotham Road may be threatened by the fire.
WHAT TO DO:
• If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.
• There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.
• Do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.
• If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.
SAFER PLACE:
• Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.
• An emergency relocation point is located at the Harvey Recreation and Cultural Centre, located at the showgrounds. Entry is is via Tom Latch Drive.
SAFEST ROUTE:
• If you live along the Hotham River or on Lower Hotham Road leave in a westerly direction.
ROAD CLOSURES:
Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site
Harvey-Quindanning Road is closed to entering traffic at the intersection of Quindanning-Darkan Road in the east, and Tallanalla Road in the west. Roads are open to traffic leaving the area.
WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:
• Eighty-five volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and Bush Fire Service firefighters and Department of Parks and Wildlife staff are on the scene, building and strengthening containment lines and protecting assets.
• WA Police, the State Emergency Service and Western Power are also in attendance.
• Aerial support is protecting crews and homes.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
• The fire was reported at 3.13pm on 31 January 2015.
• Currently 1400 hectares have been burnt.
• The cause of the fire is lightning.
• DFES is managing the fire.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa, listen to ABC local radio or news bulletins.
Updates will be provided every two hours unless the situation changes.

 

[bradrowe#32]

Diverting resources away from Waroona to Shannon National Park & Boddington fires

Fair enough. Good luck to everyone down there, doesn't sound great:

• Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home. Spot fires are starting up to 500 metres ahead of the fire.
• Flames are up to 20 metres high.

 

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

Bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING for Shannon National Park in the Shire of Manjimup
Sunday 1 February 2015 - 10:31 AM
A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING remains in place for people in the vicinity of Shannon National Park, 20km east south-east of Northcliffe, in the Shire of Manjimup.
• You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.
• The fire has broken containment lines and crossed to the west of Preston Road.
• Homes in the area bounded by Boorara Road, Mottram Road, Muirillup Road, Bashford Road, Middleton Road and Bannister Road will be under threat by fire in less than one hour.
• The fire started in Shannon National Park as a result of a lightning strike. Crews are undertaking asset protection and establishing containment lines.
• There is a lot of smoke and drivers are urged to avoid the area surrounding the national park.
BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:
• The bushfire is moving in a south-westerly direction.
• It is out of control and unpredictable.
• Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home. Spot fires are starting up to 500 metres ahead of the fire.
• Flames are up to 20 metres high.
WHAT TO DO:
• If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.
• Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.
• There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.
• If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it.
• If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.
COMMUNITY MEETING
A community meeting will be held at 1pm at the Northcliffe Town Hall on Zamia Street.
SAFER PLACE:
Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.

RELOCATION POINT:
The emergency relocation point is located at the Pemberton Sports Club.
A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people in an area bounded by north of Gardner River and Boorara Brook, east of Northcliffe and Windy Harbour Road, south of Muirillup Road and west of Bashford Road, in the Shire of Manjimup.
• There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching the area and conditions are changing.
• You need to leave or get ready to actively defend.

WHAT TO DO:
• If you are not prepared or plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.
• There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make finaI preparations now.
• Do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.
• If you leave, flag you have gone with a green bag weighted down at the front of your driveway.
• If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.
ROAD CLOSURES:
Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.
A number of roads have been closed including:
• All roads within the area bounded by Bannister Road, Middleton Road, Bashford Road, Mottram Road and Boorara Road
• Deeside Coast Road between Preston Road and Nelson Road
• Nelson Road between Deeside Coast Road and Dog Road
• Dog Road to Preston Road
• Preston Road to Bannister Road
• Dean Road between Deeside Coast Road and Bannister Road
• Logging Road and O'Sullivan 12 track are also closed.
Road information may also be available by calling Main Roads WA on 138 138 (or visit www.mainroads.wa.gov.au) or the Shire of Manjimup.

RECREATION SITE CLOSURES:
The Munda Biddi Trail and Bibbulmun Track are closed between Northcliffe and Walpole. Boorara Tree and Lane Poole Falls are both closed and Boorara-Gardiner National Park is closed.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:
Firefighters from the Department of Parks and Wildlife, local volunteer bushfire brigades and DFES crews are establishing and consolidating the northern and western boundaries of the fire and undertaking asset protection. Aerial support is assisting ground crews with fire suppression and intelligence gathering.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
• Landline telephone access may be affected.
• The fire was reported at 10am on Friday 30 January.
• The cause of the fire is lightning.
• The Department of Parks and Wildlife is managing the fire.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.dpaw.wa.gov.au,www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow Parks and Wildlife on Facebook or Twitter @WAParksWildlife, listen to ABC local radio or news bulletins.

Updates will be provided every hour unless the situation changes.

 

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for the townsite of Waroona and surrounding areas in the Shire of Waroona
Sunday 1 February 2015 - 9:35 AM
A bushfire WATCH AND ACT remains in place for people in the townsite of Waroona and surrounding areas bounded by Peel Road, South Western Highway, James Road, Paganini Road and Lake Moyanup.
• The winds that were expected to challenge containment lines have not yet eventuated, however there is still small fires burning in the area and conditions are changing.
• You need to leave or get ready to actively defend.
• The fire started south of Forrington Road and is burning within the Waroona townsite.
• If you have left your home, it's not safe to return as conditions are changing.
BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:
• The fire is controlled at this stage.
• There is currently no running fire, but it remains burning around the townsite .
WHAT TO DO:
• If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.
• If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now. Do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.
SAFER PLACE:
• Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.
• The emergency relocation point is located at the Harvey Recreation and Culture Centre, located at the showgrounds. Entry is via Tom Latch Drive.
ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire ADVICE remains in place for people surrounding the townsite of Waroona bounded by Brockman Road, Mayfield Road, James Road and the South Western Highway in the Shire of Waroona.
• There is no threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.
• Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
WHAT TO DO:
• Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
• Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
• Read through your bushfire survival plan.
• If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.
ROAD CLOSURES:
The following roads have been closed:
• Hill Street at Nanga Brook Road
• Hill Street at Elliot Street
• Hill Street at Millar Street
• Lyons Road at Weir Road
The South Western Highway is now open, with restrictions in place, between the intersection of Greenlands Road to the north of Waroona and Willowdale Road to the south.
Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au.
POWER:
• Western Power crews are working to complete the replacement of eight poles, powerlines and electricity equipment destroyed by fire in Waroona.
• Approximately 48 customers are without power due to the fire.
• If you see a fallen powerline, stay well clear and make the safe call to Western Power's 24/7 emergency line on 13 13 51.
• For more information visit Western Power's website at www.westernpower.com.au
WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:
• Firefighters are strengthening containment lines and putting out spot fires on the fire perimeter. Additional crews are also on standby for asset protection should the situation change.
• 150 career and Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service, Volunteer Fire Service and Department of Parks and Wildlife firefighters are on the scene.
• State Emergency Service volunteers, WA Police and St John Ambulance are also in attendance.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
• The fire was reported at 2.31am on 29 January 2015 and currently there have been 338 hectares burnt.
• Telephone text and voice messages have been issued to people in Waroona.
• The cause of the fire is lightning.
• One house and a number of sheds, vehicles and equipment have been confirmed lost.
• DFES is managing the fire.
• People in the area who have relocated can register their whereabouts or inquire about the location of loved ones at the evacuation centre or online for 'Register.Find. Reunite' at www.redcross.org.au.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa, listen to ABC local radio or news bulletins.
Updates will be provided every two hours unless the situation changes.

 

[Borry]

Thank god for the Irish, because their pubs,are the only ones round here to allow,for the viewing of the mighty SSFC to lift their second trophy in five months while its all fuqen cricket and tennis in every other pub.

 

[Keys]

Bit of a storm coming in from the north

 

[Jezzza]

Bit of a storm coming in from the north

Looks like a fairly decent system, extends up to Geraldton.

 

[bkozican]

Bit of a storm coming in from the north

Going to be a decent one by the looks of it

 

[kane249]

Hopefully it clears up by morning, I'm getting on a plane and don't fancy flying in that :S

 

[Off The Couch]

Family live in Geraldton and they said it was hideous - had hail and very heavy winds and lasted about 20 minutes. Now very still there, like nothing happened

 

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

Bit of a storm coming in from the north

Fingers crossed the lightning does not start any more bushfires

 

[Teriyakicat]

Going to be a decent one by the looks of it

Here and gone in 5 minutes. Bit like Mary Poppins
No rain to speak of- <1mm, maybe.