Wedge Island bushfire: Residents warned it was too late to leave as fire broke out on evacuation routes

Residents in communities north of Perth have been warned it is too late to leave as out-of-control bushfires tear up evacuation routes in parts of Wedge Island, Grey, Cooljarloo and Nambung.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services increased wildfire emergency alert for Wedge residents; it extended inland to Indian Ocean Drive and north to Bibby Road, including parts of Nambung National Park at Wedge Island, Gray, Cooljarloo, Nambung and Dandaragan.

“It is too late to leave now,” the DFES said. “The fire has affected evacuation routes and leaving now will put your life in danger.”

DFES told residents to designate a room in their home with running water and a clear exit where they can take shelter.

“You should take shelter before the fire comes, as the extreme heat will kill you before the flames reach you,” it was said.

“Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water flowing through the system if possible.

“Monitor your home inside and out for fire and embers, and turn on sprinklers if you have them.

“If your house catches fire and conditions inside become unbearable, move to an area that is already burned.

“If you are in immediate danger, call Triple-0.”

Nearly 200 firefighters are working to fight the fire.

DFES confirmed on Thursday that the bushfire had changed direction and was moving west towards Cervantes.

The fire, which destroyed more than 42,800 hectares, was sparked by a fatal car crash in Mimegarra on Monday.

A forest fire emergency warning is also in place for people in some areas of Nambung and Cervantes.

An evacuation center has been established at Jurien Bay Sports and Recreation Centre.

A number of roads were closed, including Indian Ocean Road between Ocean Place and Middleton Boulevard, Bibby Road, Wongonderrah Road, Meadows Road, Cervantes Road and Munbinea Road south of the Cervantes Road intersection.

A volunteer firefighter is in stable condition after suffering serious burns while fighting a blaze Wednesday.

St John WA was called to the northern suburb of Cataby just before 12pm to treat a male firefighter who was on the ground around Wedge Island, Cooljarloo and Nambung.

The firefighter, aged in his 60s, was taken to Gingin Oval by ambulance.

He was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital’s burns unit after being airlifted from Gingin by the RAC Rescue helicopter.

An FSH spokesman confirmed on Thursday that the firefighter was in a stable condition.

A second firefighter is believed to have been burned, but his injuries were minor.