Warnbro bushfire: Train services resume as firefighters continue to battle blazing bushfire

Trains have resumed on the Mandurah line as firefighters continue to reign in a massive bushfire that started near Warnbro station on Monday night.

Advice warnings for people in the area have been downgraded throughout the day. The trains, while operating, are continuing to bypass Warnbro station, although it is expected the station will be back in action later today and in time to ferry passengers to and from New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Safety Bay Road between Mandurah Road and Ennis Avenue remains closed to traffic, while Ennis Avenue has reopened between Wilmott Drive and Royal Palm Drive.

Meanwhile the City of Rockingham has confirmed that New Year’s Eve fireworks would go ahead despite calls from some sections of the community to cancel the show due to the fires.

Crews from Baldivis earlier shared an otherworldly photo of the fire grounds in Warnbro as they back-burn around the affected areas.

“As the ash settles, the environmental impact creates an eerie landscape. The camera caught the red emergency lights on our truck, providing this unusual image,” the volunteer fire crews captioned the photo.

Thick smoke in the area was an issue for motorists early on Wednesday while the Department of Fire and Emergency Services warned of a possible threat to lives and homes with changing weather conditions.

A bushfire watch and act remained in place in the afternoon for those bounded by Willmott Drive, Ennis Avenue, Jurien Close, The Ave, Ambleside Parade, Harrington Waters Drive, Santa Monica Drive and Gnangara Drive in parts of Waikiki and Warnbro.

Many of the approximately 140 firefighters that battled the blaze at its worst have now left the fire scene, with about 50 still working in the area.

The fire started about 7pm on Monday near the Warnbro train station and spread quickly due to strong winds and high fuel loads.

Transperth said replacement buses were running between Rockingham and Warnbro and urged commuters to “please allow extra travelling time”.

On Tuesday people in Waikiki and Warnbro were warned to be aware of a ember attacks from the bushfire.

DFES said that burning embers were likely to be blown around homes and could start fires.

Rockingham mayor Lorna Buchan urged residents in a Facebook post to “please be patient with road closures”.

“They’re in place so emergency crews can work safely, and I thank the community for their understanding and cooperation ... safety is the priority today ... please continue to follow advice from emergency services,” she said.

WA Police’s Strike Force Vulcan said they are investigating the cause of the fire.

WHAT TO DO

• If your plan is to leave, leave now.
• Take your emergency kit with you. It should include an AM/FM radio that runs off batteries, a first aid kit, a woollen blanket, phones, protective clothing, medication and irreplaceable valuables.
• Decide where you will go and how you will get there. This could be with family or friends away from the fire.
• Keep your doors and windows closed to keep out smoke.
• Turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible to prevent embers entering your home.
• If you plan to stay and defend ensure you are mentally and physically prepared, with protective clothing and an independent water supply. Make final preparations now and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.