Western Australian farmer dies trying to protect property from fast-moving bushfire | Western Australia

A farmer working frantically to protect his property from a rapidly advancing forest fire died when his vehicle burst into flames.

The man, in his 60s, was operating a front-end loader while trying to set up a firebreak at West River, about 500 kilometers southeast of Perth, on Monday afternoon.

Police said the man, believed to be a local man, was battling a large fire near Ravensthorpe that threatened several homes.

As a result of the fire affecting the region, approximately 300 hectares of agricultural land burned, and he died at the scene.

Emergency services responded to reports that homes around West River Road and Fitzgerald Road were under threat at 2.20pm on Monday.

“The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death will be conducted by WA Police, who will prepare a report for the coroner,” police said in a statement.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation but is not considered suspicious at this time.”

_{Sign up: AÜ Breaking News email}

A wildfire Watch and Action alert is in place for the West River and West Fitzgerald regions.

The warning said, “There is a possible threat to life and homes due to a fire breaking out in the area and changing conditions.”

Wildfires plagued the state; A house has been destroyed and hundreds more people have been rescued as firefighters battle fast-moving fires in the regional town of Geraldton.

Detectives are investigating whether arsonists set some of the fires, which also damaged sheds and cars and threatened hundreds of other properties, including an aged care facility in WA’s central west.