Southwest WA 3

Bushfires continued to threaten homes and 'property' in southwest WA today.

A large fire in Moore River National Park which began yesterday afternoon threaten the communities of Lancelin, Ocean Farms and Seaview Park today. The threat has eased for the moment. The fire is visible on today's MODIS imagery, but does not have a striking appearance on the imagery, no smoke plumes are apparent, but the burn scar is visible on the 721 image. The fire has burnt nearly 5700 ha and is currently contained.

Other fires were noted this afternoon near Gidgegannup and Wanneroo, on the eastern and northeastern fringes of Perth. Both of these fires have been contained as of this evening.

The fire near Brigadoon noted yesterday has been contained, but is not under control. Approximately 200 ha have been burnt.

As expected, fire weather conditions in the region were quite dangerous today, with temperatures near 40^oC and low RH. Winds were generally near 15-20 km/h, but gusty. The forecast for tomorrow (6 Jan) suggests that coastal areas in the region may see some slight relief, but fire weather conditions elsewhere in the Southwest Land Division of WA will be quite dangerous, with catastrophic conditions expected in some inland areas. Temperatures are predicted to reach the low-to mid 40s with fresh gusty winds in the more inland areas.