Watch and act bushfire warning: lives and homes at risk in Nedlands as Perth hits 42C
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Residents in the City of Nedlands have been warned they must leave or defend their homes as a bushfire burns in Karrakatta.
A bushfire watch and act warning is in place for people in the vicinity of Smyth Road and Karella Street
A watch and act is in place for people in the area bounded by Smyth Road, Monash Avenue, Winthrop Avenue and Aberdare Road in the eastern part of Karrakatta.
The alert level for this fire was upgraded as fire conditions are increasing and embers are being blown into surrounding areas.
There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing.
The fire started near the intersection of Karella Street and Dalkeith Road.
WHAT TO DO:
- If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.
- If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.
- If you plan to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. You need to have access to an independent water supply, and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.
- Keep doors and windows closed and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
- If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.
There are 15 firefighting trucks on the scene with three more on their way, as well as two helitanks fighting the fire, which has so far burned about 1.5 hectares.
Keep up to date with the warning here: www.emergency.wa.gov.au
The fire started as temperatures in the city hit 42.1 degrees about 3.25pm on Wednesday.
It is the second heatwave Perth has sweltered through this summer, with extreme temperatures predicted for the next few days, with Thursday to reach 39 degrees, Friday and Saturday to hit 40 degrees and Sunday 37 degrees before maximum temperatures drop to 34 degrees over the following two days.
Pearce reached 40.9 degrees at 4.10pm, while Perth Airport was 40.5 degrees.
The Department of Health warned heatwaves had caused more deaths in Australia than any other natural disaster and urged people to reconsider outdoor activities.
WA Health advice on staying safe in heatwaves
- Check on older, sick and frail people who may need help coping with the heat.
- Never leave anyone in a closed car (this includes pets).
- Drink plenty of water and fluids (note: If your doctor normally limits your fluids or you are on fluid tablets, you may need to check how much to drink while the weather is hot).
- Limit or avoid alcohol.
- Stay indoors, if possible, in air-conditioning.
- Take a cool shower or bath.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
- Apply sunscreen at regular intervals while outdoors.
- Reduce physical activity.
- Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
- If possible, stay in shaded areas when outdoors.
- Don’t rely on fans unless there is adequate ventilation.
- Know the signs of heat stress (muscle cramps, pallor, dizziness, headache, nausea, increased heart rate, fainting, excessive sweating or no sweating with high temperature and hot, dry skin) and seek medical attention if necessary.
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Watch and act bushfire warning: lives and homes at risk in Nedlands as Perth hits 42C
Source: Philippines Alive
