Bushfire continues to threaten W. Australia
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Xinhua, November 25, 2011
A bushfire emergency warning is still in place for residents of the Margaret River region in Western Australia (WA) after 34 properties has been destroyed by the fire, the state Department of Environment and Conservation ( DEC) said Friday.
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About 400 hundreds firefighters are still battling to contain a bushfire that destroyed at least 19 properties in the Margaret River region of Western Australia (WA), authorities said on Thursday. [Chinanews.com] |
![About 400 hundreds firefighters are still battling to contain a bushfire that destroyed at least 19 properties in the Margaret River region of Western Australia (WA), authorities said on Thursday. [Chinanews.com]](http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20111125/0014222d98501039390d4a.jpg "About 400 hundreds firefighters are still battling to contain a bushfire that destroyed at least 19 properties in the Margaret River region of Western Australia (WA), authorities said on Thursday. [Chinanews.com]")
"The fire threat remains and may worsen at any time," the DEC warned.
The DEC said 25 houses and nine chalets had been lost to the fire including the historic Wallcliffe House through Wednesday and Thursday.
Properties have been burnt or damaged in the South-West communities of Prevelly, Gnarabup and Redgate.
The DEC said a large number of fire trucks and heavy machines continued to be sourced from a wide are of the South West.
Firefighters hope to take advantage of light rain forecast for Friday to reinforce containment lines.
The DEC said the fire was estimated to have burn around 2865 hectares after it escaped its prescribed burn conducted in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park over the past 10 weeks.
Hundreds of residents and holidaymakers have evacuated areas threatened by fire.
An emergency relocation center has been operating at the Margaret River Cultural Center, where dozens of evacuated people rested during the night.
A bushfire warning has been issued for people in the Margaret River township, urging them to be alert and watch for signs of fire.
Roads around the fire zone remain closed and will not reopen until deemed safe by authorities.
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