An ‘escalating’ bushfire sparked by lightning is posing a threat to lives and property in Western Australia’s south.
key points:
- An emergency warning is issued for parts of Kalgan in the City of Albany
- The bushfire is not contained or controlled and is burning in a westerly direction
- Tune into ABC Great Southern on 630AM or 558AM or visit emergency.wa.gov.au for the latest information
An evacuation center is now open at Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre.
The fire started about 2pm near the corner of Mead Road and South Coast Highway in Kalgan, which is about 15 kilometers north-east of Albany.
An emergency warning has been issued for people in an area bounded by Bakers Junction Nature Reserve to the north, Mead Road to the east, the King River to the south, and Chester Pass Road.
It is moving in a westerly direction and is not yet contained or controlled.
“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes,” the warning said.
“The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as the bushfire is escalating.”
The warning said the safest route to leave the area is via Prideaux Road towards Lower King Road.
South Coast Highway, Chester Pass Road, and Mead Road are closed.
Drivers urged to stay away
Fire crews with aerial support are battling the blaze.
Thunderstorms with little rain brought lightning across the region today sparking several fires.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area.
A bushfire advice is also in place for a separate fire in the north-eastern part of Trent in the Shire of Denmark for people in an area bounded by Mitchell Road, Roe Road, Nornalup Road, Boronia Road, and Mount Frankland Road.
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