Larissa

Uh oh, there's a huge bush fire North of Burns Beach Road, I don't think anyone has been evacuated yet but there is plenty of activity - 4 helicopters coming back and forth to the lakes for water, lots of fire engines :scared: Lots of onlookers, maybe I should sell icecreams?
My Aussie mates living just back from Burns Beach Road are packing but we are further into the burb so everything is quiet here.

Cross everything for us guys!
BTW Is Renth helping out?

If anyone is worried in the Kinross/Joondalup area, keep checking the FESA website. http://www.fesa.wa.gov.au/internet/Alerts/default.aspx
Currently the message is
"Sun 19/02/2006 02:37 PM There are no current emergency alerts.

These alerts are only for serious emergencies where life or property is endangered or when a hazard is close to residential areas. You can also obtain information during a serious emergency by:
ringing 1300 657 209 for regularly updated recorded messages; or
listening to the radio."

capacity

picture of fire from our house - damn looks pretty close to me

Larissa

I wonder when they will start issuing alerts though? If they only do it when it's *really* close then we will all have to leg it pretty quickly. My eldest child is worried about the bunny, who is currently hoping around the garden and hiding in the bulk refuse, so we can't catch him.
BTW Sandra has just popped over with Pauline, it has gone right up to Bunnings in Mindarie and you can see the flames from the hill in Kinross.

capacity

the fire seems to be moving further north - we have been monitoring it all day - it was really close during lunch but now the smoke seems "lighter" - does anyone know the cause?

Larissa

Don't know, it hasn't been *that* hot this year has it? We saw the police going around chatting to people, so I'm wondering if it was a fire bug. We were chatting with our mates about seeing a dodgy group of teens, but then you wouldn't want to stereotype based on what they looked like...
I don't think they do controlled burning in Neerabup so perhaps there was just a large build up of flammable material

Larissa

This is the latest update, looks like it is travelling north, probably driven by the Fremantle Doctor.
I really hope everyone is alright and your properties aren't harmed.


Bush fire burning near Neerabup - Issued: Sunday, 19 February 2006 3:42 PM


FESA advises that a bush fire that started earlier today in the southern section of Neerabup National Park north of Burns Beach Road, has now burnt to Wanneroo Road and properties are under threat in the vicinity of Flynn Drive and Wanneroo Road.

Residents at home in the locality of Carramar and in particular those between Carramar Road and Flynn Drive to Old Yanchep Road and people in the vicinity of the 10th Light Horse Heritage Walk Trail and the Neerabup Lake area, are advised that there is the potential for lives and/or property to be at risk.

These residents should now prepare for the possible passage of a bush fire.

If the fire is not contained, residents who have not taken the necessary preparations or believe they may not cope with the stress of the fire will improve their safety by going now.

Be advised the following roads are closed:

Wanneroo Road between Hester Avenue and Joondalup Drive and also Flynn Drive and Joondalup Drive.

Residents should take advice from emergency services personnel on site.

To access an updated recorded message on this incident please phone 1300 657 209.

Members of the public who notice suspicious behaviour should notify Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.”

Larissa

Yeah, I know it's sad replying to my own thread again, but here is some good info on what to do to prepare for bushfires from FESA.

http://www.fesa.wa.gov.au/internet/d...spx?MenuID=325
THE threat of severe bushfires occurs in Western Australia every year. You can reduce the impact of bushfires on property and people by careful planning. Make sure you and your property are prepared for bushfires.

FIRE FACTS
Burning embers can enter your house through open vents, broken windows or roof spaces – these small sparks can easily ignite a fire.
The majority of houses destroyed by bushfires burn down after the fire front has passed.
During a major bushfire there may not be enough fire appliances available to protect every home – so a great deal of responsibility rests with home owners to protect their house and family.
HAVE A PLAN ...
Decide whether you will stay with your property, or go to a safer location.
If you decide not to stay, leave early – know where you will go and whether you can get there safely.
Prepare a list of things to do if a bushfire approaches.
Prepare a list of emergency phone numbers and numbers of neighbours’ homes.
Check that all family members are aware of their role in your family bushfire emergency plan.
PREPARE YOUR PROPERTY
Maintain a circle of safety, at least 20 metres wide, around your home by clearing away trees, dead leaves, twigs and branches – also cut long grass and undergrowth in this area.
Don’t store flammable liquids, firewood or other flammable material close to, or underneath the house.
Close in eaves and the space under your house.
Fit bronze flywire screens or shutters to your windows and doors.
Maintain gutters and the roof clear of leaves.
Ensure that hoses reach all corners of the home.
Consider buying a petrol or diesel powered pump and arrange to have an alternative firefighting water supply (eg tank, pool, dam).
Comply with the local government fire break notices.
Don’t burn off or light a barbecue on Very High or Extreme Fire Danger days, and check with your local council to find out about fire restrictions.
PREPARE YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
Make sure you have ...
woollen blankets
buckets, mop, knapsack, ladder, rake
torch, battery-powered radio
a safe storage box for valuables and important documents
protective clothing such as cotton or woollen trousers, long-sleeved shirt or jumper, sturdy shoes/boots, hard hat or wide-brimmed hat, goggles and gloves.
FACING A BUSHFIRE – STAY OR LEAVE HOME?
Don’t leave the decision to relocate until the fire is so close that you cannot get out safely!

If there is a bushfire in your area, you must make an early decision on whether you will stay with the house or relocate.

Staying with your own or a neighbour’s home could also be safer than trying to get away on roads blocked by fire and smoke.

You may prefer to stay if ...
you are confident your home is well prepared
you have sufficient emergency water supplies
you think you and your family can deal with the stress and tension of battling the fire.
You may prefer to go if you ...
aren’t confident about the fire safety of your house
are worried about young children, elderly people or someone who is sick
think you could not cope with the stress of fighting the fire
know it is safe to leave, have a safe destination in mind and know it is safe to get there.
If a bushfire approaches ...
dress in protective clothing and close all windows and doors
block downpipes and fill gutters with water, also fill buckets, basins, baths and sinks as a back-up supply
extinguish small spot fires around your house and check for spot fires under the house and in the roof space
when it becomes too dangerous outside, shelter inside and take hoses and fittings with you.

Wave the Sails

Crikey, thanks for all the info. Not far from us at all. Heard it on the radio, was wondering why we had such a funny coloured cloud appear from nowhere

SteveBannister

Which is exactly where we are!!

There is a lot of smoke here but it does seem to be going. Pretty hairy, though.

Everywhere had an eerie orange glow under the smoke...weird!

Here's a couple of pics...

Larissa

Hope you're alright Steve,it's not a very pleasant intro to Perth is it. The orange glow is definately weird, I wonder if it's the eucalypt oil It looks worse when the smoke is all grey/black, but I think that's when it's better - coz it's the water and dampening which does that.
Do you think you'll stay or go? Hope it doesn't come to that.

I just looked in my UBD at the roads on the alerts (there's 2 now) and the area covered is huge - here's an extract:

Currently there has been approximately 270 hectares burned.

One hundred firefighters and emergency services personnel from the Fire and Rescue Service, bush fire brigades and CALM are working at the scene, together with 45 firefighting appliances.

Four Helitacs and two fixed wing water bombers, plus the FESA air intelligence helicopter have also supported ground crews.

kris maynard

Oh Sh**

Fingers are crossed for everyone hope eveyone is safe!!

Kris xx

worzel

It seems to have petered out now but it was exciting for a while! We were taking a walk around Jondalup lake before lunch when it started and were walking towards it. We backtracked and took a drive up to Joondalup primary for a look and took some photos. We went up to Mindarie Keys later and it was a very eerie light we sat in.

kris maynard

Phew!!!

Great pics although I was just mesmorised by the blue sky and how clean everything looks!!!

Kris xx

Larissa

Ta Worzel, I wanted some helicopter pics just like those but our camera wasn't recharged... we must have been in the same area, we should think of a secret expat wave or something

wafc

My gradfather lives in Mindarie and he was on the phone this morning, they knew of the fire but I dont think they realised how close it was!

Like Kris says, I was also smiling just looking at the pics of the beautiful houses and streets etc and how clean they are! Just hope I can get there.

Hope everyone is ok up that way!