Firefighters are battling an out-of-control blaze that is a risk to lives and homes near a town in West Australia’s Wheatbelt.

December 20, 2023

Lives and properties are under threat from a fast-moving bushfire in West Australia’s Wheatbelt, with aerial support deployed to protect fire crews and homes.

An emergency warning has been issued for parts of West Toodyay, Coondle and Julimar, about 100km northeast of Perth.

“There is a threat to lives and homes,” the Department of Fire and Emergency Services said on Wednesday.

“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.”

Five firefighters battling the blaze were injured after their fire truck rolled.

DFES said the group sustained minor injuries and the incident would be investigated.

The fire is moving fast in a westerly direction. It is not contained or controlled.

People on Parkland Drive, Munnapin Rise, Malkup Brook Road, Sand Spring Road, Howard Road, Powder Bark Road, Sinclair Place, Donegan View and south of Julimar Road were warned it was too late to leave.

“You need to shelter in your home in a room away from the firefront and make sure you can easily escape,” an emergency alert said.

The emergency warning covered people in an area bounded by Trig Road, Coondle West Road, Julimar Road, Harders Chitty Road, Parkland Drive, including Sinclair Place and Donegan View, Julimar Road and Heine Road.

People north of Julimar Road can leave in an easterly or westerly direction.

An evacuation centre has been set up at Toodyay Memorial Hall.

Homes on Parkland Drive, Munnapin Rise, Malkup Brook Road, Sand Spring Road, Howard Road, Powder Bark Road, Sinclair Place and Donegan View are threatened by fire.

A number of roads have been closed, including Julimar Road from Chittering Road to Coondle West Road.

The Bureau of Meteorology warned that fresh easterly winds and dry conditions would lead to elevated fire dangers.

“There is also the risk of high-based thunderstorms with dry lightning, exacerbating the fire dangers,” the alert said.

The Shire of Toodyay borders the northeastern edge of the Perth metropolitan area and has a population of about 4600 people.