Two buildings – a transportable home and a shed containing machinery – have been lost in the Neergabby bushfire, which the Department of Fire and Emergency Services downgraded to an advice this afternoon.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) incident controller Shaun Champ said hot and windy conditions made it particularly difficult to control the bushfire overnight but due to the tireless work of nearly 200 volunteer and career firefighters on the ground, with support from 15 firefighting aircraft, they were able to contain it this morning.
“Crews have been working to consolidate all boundaries of the fire and it has now been downgraded to an advice this afternoon,’’ he said.
“Firefighters have done a tremendous job saving life and property, with only two structures lost – a transportable home and a shed containing machinery.
“It has been a challenging 24hr battling what was a fast-moving fire in difficult terrain.
“It burnt over 500ha in the first six hours, with a total area burnt of 995ha.
“Indian Ocean Dr has now reopened with speed restrictions in place.
“Chitna Rd in Neergabby remains closed.”
At 4.14pm DFES said a bushfire advice was in place for people in an area bounded by Indian Ocean Dr, Croot Pl across to Chitna Rd, Military Rd and Wabling Rd in parts of Neergabby, Woodridge and Wilbinga.
The alert said although there was no immediate danger people needed to stay aware and keep up to date in case the situation changed.
The same alert said an all clear was in place for people in an area bounded by Indian Ocean Dr, Bobtail Rd, Wabling Rd, Barragoon Rd, Caraban Rd, Gingin Brook Rd, Military Rd and north of Chitna Rd and Croot Pl, including the Woodridge estate, in parts of Neergabby, Woodridge, Wilbinga and Caraban.
The bushfire is no longer impacting the community in this area but firefighters will monitor the area for the rest of the day/night.
Although the danger has passed people still need to remain vigilant in case the situation changed.
Chitna Rd is only open to local & traffic.
Indian Ocean Drive between Gingin Brook Road and Military Road has re-opened. But a reduced speed limit is in place on Indian Ocean Dr, Gingin Brook Rd and Military Rd.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke.
Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by visiting the Main Roads Travel Map, calling 138 138 or by contacting your Local Government Authority.
The fire, which started near Chitna Rd, was reported at 11.40am yesterday.
This article appeared on Yanchep News Online on 7 February 2023.
