Perth bushfire threatens lives and homes in Kenwick, Tonkin Highway closed

A Perth bushfire is causing major disruptions to traffic and lives and homes are in danger. The fire in Perth has gone out of control and a watch-and-act warning has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), formerly known as Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia (FESA).

The fire is said to be moving in an easterly direction. Tonkin highway and Welshpool Road have been closed. The ground crews are actively defending homes by building containment lines and aerial support has also been sent to assist them. The fire was reported at 12:50pm today and the cause is still unknown.

According to Perth Now, the emergency fire warning has been sent for people in the Western part of Wattle Grove. The area is bounded by Gavour Road, Welshpool Road, Tonkin Highway in the Shire of Kalamunda and Victoria Road.

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The fire is rapidly spreading and homes in Philemon Court, Crystal Brook Road, Brentwood Road, Boundary Road and Johnson Road are under extreme threat. The DFES has warned residents of Boundary Road and Brentwood Road that it is futile to leave the homes now and leaving now could turn out to be fatal.

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The fire started on Brentwood Road and is burning towards Tonkin Highway. At about 2pm, Perth recorded a temperature of 34.6 degrees Celsius. At Perth Airport, which is closer to the fire, temperature is soaring at 35.5 degrees and winds are blowing from a west-south-west direction. At least eight fire trucks and water bombers are trying to bring the situation under control, reports The Age.

As a last resort, Perth’s fire alert by DFES has urged people caught up in the bushfire to run to open spaces, swimming pools, sheds, dams or buildings where one can take shelter if their houses are in danger of catching fire. People have also been asked to wear protective clothing and carry water and woollen blankets.

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