Western Australian bushfire threatens homes
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Xinhua, November 24, 2011
A large bushfire is threatening homes and lives in Western Australia's southwest, the state emergency services said on Wednesday.
Residents of Prevelly town and surrounding areas in the shire of Margaret River have been forced to leave their homes.
Western Australia's Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has warned the fire is "out of control and unpredictable".
More than 60 firefighters and volunteers are battling the blaze.
According to the DEC, there are unconfirmed reports that one house has been destroyed by the fire.
Homes to the east and south could be impacted by the fire, the DEC warned.
The DEC said the bushfire, which started on Wednesday morning as a prescribed burn by the DEC in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, ran out of control.
So far, about 100 hectares of bushland have been burned north of the Margaret River, about 280 km south of Perth, with the fire continuing to spread in a south-westerly direction towards the town of Kilkarnup.
Two fixed-wing water bombers are helping ground crews.
A relocation shelter for residents has been established at the Margaret River Cultural Centre on Wallcliffe Road.
Caves Road, between Ellen Brook Rd and Wallcliffe Rd, has been closed.
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