Fitzgerald River National Park fire: Crews continue battling blaze that has razed 40,000ha since Friday
Firefighters continue to battle a massive blaze that has devastated 40,000 acres in the Fitzgerald River National Park since it started on Friday.
The fire broke out as a result of a lightning strike at 14.30 on Friday and quickly grew in a northeast direction, prompting an emergency evacuation warning on Sunday evening.
The alert to watch and take action continues on Monday due to the possible threat to lives and homes and the fire remaining uncontrolled and out of control.
People in Fitzgerald Road, including the Fitzgerald River National Park in the area between the South Coast Highway and Collets Road, and the park in the townships of Ravensthorpe and Jerramungup, have been asked to monitor conditions.
The fire shifted north-west over the weekend and has now burned 40,000 hectares of reserve, bush and farmland.
Nearly 200 fire crews and incident control staff from the Parks and Wildlife Service, DFES, local bushfire crews and local government are working on the Fitzgerald River fire area and the nearby Dunn Rock fire area.
Firefighters are currently working to reinforce containment lines and performing burnback operations.
Evacuation centers opened at Ravensthorpe Town Hall and Jerramungup Leisure Center to accommodate those fleeing the area have now closed.
The Parks and Wildlife service announced at 9.25am on Saturday that all recreation areas and access to the park, except the 4 Mile beach campground and Barrens Beach, would be closed until further notice.
Old Ongerup Road, Pabelup Road and Hamersley Road were closed.
Anyone needing assistance can contact the Department for Communities using the Disaster Helpline on 1800 032 965.
