Schools closed, thousands without power as an out of control bushfire threatens lives and homes in Geraldton

One home has been destroyed by an out of control bushfire that has burnt through 130 hectares north of Perth. A Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) spokesman said there are two active emergency warnings for Geraldton, about 420km north of Perth. Residents have been warned “lives are in danger and action is required immediately to survive.” The spokesman said about 100 career and volunteer firefighters continued to battle the blaze with help from waterbombers, as more crews make their way from Perth. The fire broke out in northern parts of Geraldton about 5.20am on Monday, and were being fuelled by strong easterly winds. Residents have been forced to flee their homes, schools are closed and thousands are without power as the “dangerous” bushfire threatens lives and homes in Geraldton. The fires started in the coastal town, about 420km north of Perth, on Sunday and continued into Monday as Western Australia braces for very hot weather. People in Bluff Point, Spalding and Sunset Beach were warned it was too dangerous to return home or to stay and take shelter if they could not leave. “You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you before the flames reach you,” the Department of Fire and Emergency Services warned. “Go to a room in your home where you can shelter from the approaching fire. “The room should have running water, such as a kitchen or laundry, and have a clear exit so you can easily escape.” Several schools and roads were closed as the out of control bushfire continued to burn in a westerly direction on Monday. Western Power advised about 3720 homes and businesses affected by the bushfire were without power, with some customers warned they will be without electricity until the fire has passed. Very hot and dry conditions are forecast for the Midwest coastal area with temperatures expected to soar past 36C on Monday. The Bureau of Meteorology warned an extreme fire danger is in place as fresh and gusty north to northeast winds hit the region ahead of a cooler sea breeze in the afternoon and evening. A Moonyoonooka Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade member posted on social media that seeing plumes of black smoke at 6am on Sunday from their back door was not a good way to start the day. The member said career and volunteer firefighters in the area helped them contain the fire as it burnt through the bush and river system, with support from the air. “Then after lunch the smoke became visible from the Spalding direction, which developed into an emergency fire,” the person said. “Assets from the first fire were redirected to the second fire while mopping up was carried out at the first.” An evacuation centre has been set up at the QEII Seniors and Community Centre for people who fled their homes. More to come.