Smoke from the fire on Monday. Photo: Jodi Ditchburn on Facebook.
Esperance’s streak of hot windy days took its toll on Monday afternoon when a Myrup bushfire took six hours to control.
A spokesperson from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services said they received multiple triple-zero calls for a verge fire at around 2.30pm on Monday afternoon.
“[The fire] started 5km east of the intersection of Fisheries Road and Merivale Road and headed in a northwest direction,” she said.
“We sent 25 crews as well as air support which was four bombers.”
The spokesperson said emergency crew included firefighters from Gibson Bushfire Brigade, Mt Merivale Bushfire Brigade, Pink Lake Bushfire Brigade and the Shire of Esperance.
At about 5pm Emergency WA issued a Bushfire Emergency Warning for Myrup advising people to evacuate the area due to the immediate threat to homes and lives.
The DFES spokesperson said it took emergency crews six hours to control the blaze.
“The fire was contained and under control by 8.45pm,” she said.
“Back burning operations helped crews bring it under control.”
The bushfire burnt through approximately 195 hectares according to the spokesperson, and crews went back to monitor the site on Tuesday.
“We’ve had crews return today to return and continue to mop up and monitor the ground,” the spokesperson said on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, The Shire of Esperance were investigating the circumstance of the fire.
A spokesperson from the Shire said the blaze began as a vehicle fire and then spread until three properties were under direct threat.
“The efforts of the ground crews and aerial support helped to reduce that threat with nil property loss as a result,” they said.
“The brigades and aerial support are to be commended for their efforts.”
Fire reignites
The Myrup bush fire had been out for more than 24 hours when the Department of Fire and Emergency Services received another triple-zero call at 1.30pm on Wednesday informing them it had reignited.
“The fire had broken containment lines,” a DFES spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said arial support was brought back in as well as 14 trucks who were crewed by Six Mile Hill, Quarry Road, Pink Lake, Esperance Volunteer Fire and Safety and some Albany fire brigades and services.
By Thursday morning the Myrup bushfire had burned a total of 230 hectares of land, the spokesperson said.
A Shire of Esperance representative said the flare up in the northern boundary was caused by Tuesday’s strong winds.
“Crews are on the scene today, mopping up and patrolling, with overhead support from water bombers available as well,” they said on Tuesday.
On Friday, fire crews continued to monitor and “mop up” the site of the bushfire.
The Shire representative said this included careful monitoring of the fireground by volunteer firefighters.
“Ready to dampen and extinguish any potential sites of reignition using equipment such as water cannons and earthmoving plant,” they said.
Being informed and prepared
The Shire representative said it was vital for residents to have a current Bush Fire Plan especially for property owners who could prepare and reduce the risk of fire.
“Property owners must ensure that firebreaks are in place, are maintained, and fuel levels are managed throughout the Fire Hazard Reduction Notice period,” they said. “Firebreaks are essential to enable crucial firefighting operations.”
The spokesperson also recommended all residents and visitors download the Emergency WA app on their phone.
“This app can be used to set up alerts for specific areas, supporting community to enact their Bush Fire Plans,” they said.
Bush Fire Plans can be created on the “my bush fire plan” Government website.
