Geraldton Bushfire: One Home Lost, Hundreds Evacuated as Blaze intensifies
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A suspicious bushfire near Geraldton, Western Australia, has escalated rapidly, resulting in the complete loss of one home and forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issued an emergency warning Monday morning for areas bounded by Crowtherton Street, the coastline, Bosley Street, Chapman Valley Road, and the Geraldton-Mount Magnet Road.
Firefighters from various agencies – including bush fire service, career fire and rescue service, volunteer fire and rescue, volunteer fire and emergency service, and parks and wildlife service – are actively battling the flames, supported by water bombers providing aerial assistance.
the fire, first reported around 10:30 am on Sunday, is currently moving south in a south-westerly direction. Incident controller Brent Allen confirmed late Sunday afternoon that one house had been “a total loss,” and efforts are underway to locate the owner.
“horrific” Conditions Challenge Firefighters
Crews faced “pretty horrific” conditions on Sunday, with the fire coming within meters of properties, particularly on Nerrel and Tappak streets and Chapman Valley Road. “Crews problably spent two hours yesterday afternoon actively going house to house and fighting individual fires,” Allen stated. “It was in people’s backyards, so within metres of houses.”
The challenging conditions are expected to persist,with strong winds and temperatures forecast to reach 42°C on Monday. “We’re going to be here for a number of days,” Allen said. “Our priorities at the moment are protecting lives and property.” He added that the wind’s unpredictable nature is complicating firefighting efforts, causing the fire front to consistently change throughout the day.
Evacuations and Community Impact
Residents north of the river have been urged to evacuate in a northerly direction, while those south of the river are advised to leave heading south, if it is safe to do so. A DFES spokesperson emphasized the urgency, stating, “You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.”
Evacuation centers have been established at the QEII Seniors and Community Center and the Northampton Recreation Centre. Approximately 605 homes and businesses in Waggrakine have experienced power outages as an inevitable result of the fire, with Western Power working to restore service where possible.
Schools Closed and Ongoing Response
Waggrakine Primary School, Walkaway Primary School, and Northampton District High School have been closed on Monday as a precautionary measure. Fire crews have been working through the night, and reinforcements have arrived from Perth to relieve fatigued first responders who have been dealing with multiple fires in the Greater Geraldton area over the past four days.
Despite the challenging circumstances, allen reported that property damage has been “contained and quite minimal” beyond the single lost home and some damaged sheds and outbuildings. Crews were also successful in saving Waggrakine Primary School, with damage limited to vegetation. St John WA has confirmed that no injuries have been reported.
local Leaders Urge Caution
Greater Geraldton City mayor jerry Clune described the past 24 hours as “harrowing,” warning residents to remain vigilant. “The fire has arced up again this morning,” Clune told 6PR radio on Monday. “All the suburbs on the western side we are asking to keep cautious.”
Premier Roger Cook described the situation as “very live and very risky,” confirming that Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia is traveling to Geraldton to assist with the response. “We understand that there’s been a loss of one home,” cook stated, “but we’re still awaiting further advice from DFES about any other property damage.”
separate watch and act warnings are in place for areas surrounding Spalding Park Golf Course and Glenfield, urging residents to stay alert and monitor conditions. Residents are advised not to return to areas affected by the fire due to the risk of fallen trees and powerlines.
