Firefighters tackle major blaze threatening WA homes
Some residents have been urged to flee a major fire burning north-west of Perth, as others are warned their only remaining option is to take shelter at home.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued an emergency warning yesterday for West Toodyay, Coondle and Julimar in the Shire of Toodyay, about 70 kilometres from Perth.
An earlier warning for Lancelin, north of the state capital, was downgraded to a watch and act warning overnight but the Toodyay advice remained current.
As the situation is constantly changing, visit the Emergency WA website for the latest advice and warnings.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued an emergency warning for the western part of Lancelin in the Shire of Gingin for the fire which is burning towards the townsite. Nine
Early this morning authorities told residents south of Julimar Road, where the blaze started, that it was too late to leave, with those to the north urged to flee.
Yesterday, a firefighter was taken to hospital after a fire truck rolled on the way to Toodyay.
Five firefighters were on their way to fight a fast-moving blaze threatening several communities when the truck rolled just before 1pm (4pm AEDT).
One man in his 40s suffered a minor injury while the other four firefighters were not injured.
Yesterday afternoon, residents were forced to flee their homes due to the fire threatening West Toodyay and Julimar.
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A firefighter was taken to hospital after a fire truck rolled en-route to Toodyay. Nine
Strong winds pushed the blaze west as it burnt through 90 hectares of bush.
Residents were stranded and unable to get to their homes in the fire zone.
"What about my horse who is locked in the yard, he's going to burn to death, no one can handle him because he's a rescue," resident Tiffany Paley said.
The horse trainer evacuated 15 of her beloved animals from her property.
She returned for the remaining foal this afternoon, only to be stopped at a roadblock.
Resident Tiffany Paley had to leave one of her horses behind. 9News
"He said 'no, it's changed, can't let you through'," she said.
"I said you promised me I could go back."
Paley was one of dozens who left.
Santhini and Clarence Smith also fled with their dog, Charlie.
"It is very frustrating because I've got some of our valuables still at the property and my car is still there," Santhini said.
The blaze started on Julimar Road about 11am (2pm AEDT).
More than 50 fire trucks and more than 100 firefighters were tasked to the blaze.
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