- The fire burned more than 26 square miles.
- Firefighters said the wind makes it difficult to contain.
- The area is under strict lockout due to COVID-19.
A raging wildfire fueled by windy, hot conditions in southwestern Australia has burned dozens of homes and caused severe warnings to residents in the possible path of the flames.
“You are in danger and must act immediately to survive,” a warning was issued by emergency officials around 12:45 local time on Wednesday. “There is a threat to lives and homes.”
The warning alerted residents in some areas that “it is too late to leave and deadly.”
The fire was burning near the town of Wooroloo, about 30 kilometers outside Perth. According to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services in Western Australia, at least 59 homes were destroyed, according to initial reports. Further reviews showed that 71 houses burned down.
At least 200 firefighters battled the blaze, which burned more than 26 square miles.
“Irregular fire behaviors fueled by strong winds continue to challenge crew members on the front line who protect what they can and to put restraint lines in place,” the agency said in a post on social media showing images of the intense flames .
Residents were advised to take refuge in their place and have a plan to escape.
‘You must hide before the fire breaks out, as the extreme heat will kill you before the flames reach you … If your house catches fire and the conditions inside become unbearable, you must get out and go to an area where already burned , ”Said the emergency warning.
The region is under strict lockout due to COVID-19, which is causing confusion over whether people are allowed to leave their homes. Officials have made it clear that escaping a life-threatening wildfire should take precedence over COVID-19 restrictions.
“If you have any doubts, go away,” said Western Australia’s Emergency Coordinator and Police Commissioner Chris Dawson, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. ‘If you’re in the fire area, do not hesitate. We do not want people to be so careful that they or their loved ones are threatened. ‘
The emergency alert told residents: “Whether you are locked up or personally quarantined for the COVID-19, you must do whatever it takes to keep you and your loved ones safe.”
Wooroloo resident Elaine Palfrey told ABC she, her husband and four children fled their home when the flames approached.
“We were just sitting inside the house because of the lock and we smelled smoke outside, so we went out to see where the smoke was coming from and it was just across from us,” Palfrey said. ‘We saw a big flame coming out of a tree and black smoke, and with the wind coming towards us, there just would not be much time … so we decided to put in a few things pack and run. ‘
They went to a family member’s house, where they saw footage on television news of their house burning down.
“It was very devastating,” she said.
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