Hundreds of firefighters battled four fires over the weekend in western Australia, ravaging the south of the country, destroying several properties and some shops and seriously injuring a man.
Disease alerts were issued for areas in the southwest including Hester Brook and Bridgetown in Greenbushes.
The blaze, which has burned through over 2.200 hectares (2,200 acres), was stopped on-site with 200 firefighters but could not be brought under control overnight.
Chief Minister Stephen Dawson said today:”We still have an active fire situation so we ask people to please be patient. It’s an incredibly difficult time for everyone involved, for all the affected community, please know everyone in Western Australia is thinking about you,” the West Australia statement said.
A second bushfire broke out in the Narrogin Shire, threatening homes and lives while the town of Wickepin was at risk.
DFES deputy assistant commissioner Stuart Wade said NSW firefighters had arrived in Perth overnight to help with fighting the raging blaze.
A bushfire in southwest Queensland that has been burning close to Bridgetown since Saturday afternoon continues to threaten lives and homes.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze and strengthened lines of containment Sunday night as an uncontrolled and unpredictable wildfire moved quickly toward northeast.
Been a crazy day fighting this bastard all day. 44 degrees 64km gusts not ideal. And out here ALL the people fighting the fire are volunteers. Very fast moving fire. pic.twitter.com/6sdvOZH6Ef
— Leigh Strange (@LeighStrange1) February 6, 2022
Just got home from corrigin from the biggest fire I’ve been to keep up good work all of crews still long way from over. Cheers for boys coming and taking over for the night shift. pic.twitter.com/YB7puG7sNr
— Stephen Keatley (@StephenKeatley1) February 6, 2022
Disastrous day for the Corrigin community today and tonight. Many houses and sheds lost. Atm 2/3rds of my farm has burnt with a few sheds and machines. I along with plenty of others are in the same position after this horrible fire. Hardest day of my life. pic.twitter.com/2d4AKMx4ZC
— Ashley Jacobs (@Ashley_Jacobs92) February 6, 2022