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Esperance bushfires: four dead near WA town – rolling report Esperance bushfires: four dead near WA town – rolling report
(35 minutes later)
2.50am GMT02:50
Calla Wahlquist here, taking over from Elle Hunt. The ABC has reported a sad detail about one of the men who died near Salmon Gums. According to Andy Johnson, an Esperance resident, the man was a local farmer who had been driving from property to property warning people to evacuate.
“One of my mates’ neighbours unfortunately passed away with possibly another person that he was trying to warn to tell to turn around and head the opposite way as they were fleeing from the fire,” Johnson told ABC radio.
2.16am GMT02:162.16am GMT02:16
Esperance fires: what we knowEsperance fires: what we know
Time for a summary.Time for a summary.
Two big bushfires continue to rage near the Western Australian town of Esperance. The four affected communities – that’s Salmon Gums and Grass Patch, both north of Esperance on the Coolgardie-Esperance highway, and Stockyard Creek and Mullet Lake, to the east near Merivale – remain under emergency warnings.Two big bushfires continue to rage near the Western Australian town of Esperance. The four affected communities – that’s Salmon Gums and Grass Patch, both north of Esperance on the Coolgardie-Esperance highway, and Stockyard Creek and Mullet Lake, to the east near Merivale – remain under emergency warnings.
Four people – two men, and two women, in two separate vehicles – were this morning confirmed to have died in the Salmon Gums/Grass Patch fire overnight. One man was in one car; the other three adults were in another.Four people – two men, and two women, in two separate vehicles – were this morning confirmed to have died in the Salmon Gums/Grass Patch fire overnight. One man was in one car; the other three adults were in another.
Police have not commented on speculation that there have been other fatalities.Police have not commented on speculation that there have been other fatalities.
Three buildings have confirmed to have been destroyed. The Scaddan Primary School, previously reported to have been destroyed, is apparently undamaged.Three buildings have confirmed to have been destroyed. The Scaddan Primary School, previously reported to have been destroyed, is apparently undamaged.
The Salmon Gums/Grass Patch fire is moving slowly in a north-easterly direction, and is expected to swing to easterly when the wind changes. It’s still burning out of control.The Salmon Gums/Grass Patch fire is moving slowly in a north-easterly direction, and is expected to swing to easterly when the wind changes. It’s still burning out of control.
The Stockyard Creek/Mullet Lake fire is behind containment lines but is not controlled. Firefighters there are expecting a north-westerly wind-change at 1pm.The Stockyard Creek/Mullet Lake fire is behind containment lines but is not controlled. Firefighters there are expecting a north-westerly wind-change at 1pm.
1.50am GMT01:501.50am GMT01:50
Calla WahlquistCalla Wahlquist
There will be a community meeting at the Esperance Civic Centre at 11am WST. The civic centre has been set up as an evacuation point for both the Salmon Gums/Grass Patch fire and the Stockyard Creek/Mullet Lake fire.There will be a community meeting at the Esperance Civic Centre at 11am WST. The civic centre has been set up as an evacuation point for both the Salmon Gums/Grass Patch fire and the Stockyard Creek/Mullet Lake fire.
All four communities – that’s Salmon Gums and Grass Patch, both north of Esperance on the Coolgardie-Esperance highway, and Stockyard Creek and Mullet Lake, both east of Esperance near Merivale - remain under emergency warnings.All four communities – that’s Salmon Gums and Grass Patch, both north of Esperance on the Coolgardie-Esperance highway, and Stockyard Creek and Mullet Lake, both east of Esperance near Merivale - remain under emergency warnings.
Aerial water bombers are understood to be in the area now. They were not able to be used on Tuesday because of smoke levels.Aerial water bombers are understood to be in the area now. They were not able to be used on Tuesday because of smoke levels.
According to the latest update from DFES, the Salmon Gums/Grass Patch fire is moving slowly in a north-easterly direction, expected to swing to easterly when the wind changes. It’s still burning out of control. The Stockyard Creek/Mullet Lake fire is behind containment lines but is not controlled. Firefighters there are expecting a north-westerly wind-change at 1pm.According to the latest update from DFES, the Salmon Gums/Grass Patch fire is moving slowly in a north-easterly direction, expected to swing to easterly when the wind changes. It’s still burning out of control. The Stockyard Creek/Mullet Lake fire is behind containment lines but is not controlled. Firefighters there are expecting a north-westerly wind-change at 1pm.
The difference between contained and controlled is basically a matter of fuel. The idea is to get a fire behind containment lines - made through a combination of bulldozers and backburning - and then kind of let it burn in on itself.The difference between contained and controlled is basically a matter of fuel. The idea is to get a fire behind containment lines - made through a combination of bulldozers and backburning - and then kind of let it burn in on itself.
1.32am GMT01:321.32am GMT01:32
Colin Barnett, Western Australia premier, prepares to fly to EsperanceColin Barnett, Western Australia premier, prepares to fly to Esperance
WA Premier about to fly to Esperance. Just been briefed alongside Emergency Services Minister @ABCNews24 pic.twitter.com/wwOojZXf3YWA Premier about to fly to Esperance. Just been briefed alongside Emergency Services Minister @ABCNews24 pic.twitter.com/wwOojZXf3Y
1.31am GMT01:311.31am GMT01:31
Calla WahlquistCalla Wahlquist
The Fire Danger Index (FDI) rating for areas near Esperance on Tuesday was 250, according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s Graham Reader, which is higher than reported FDI ratings at Kilmore, Victoria, on Black Saturday.The Fire Danger Index (FDI) rating for areas near Esperance on Tuesday was 250, according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s Graham Reader, which is higher than reported FDI ratings at Kilmore, Victoria, on Black Saturday.
Anything with an FDI of more than 100 is classed as ‘catastrophic’ fire danger, a category that did not exist until after the Black Saturday Bushfires in 2009, in which 173 people died and more than 2000 homes were destroyed.Anything with an FDI of more than 100 is classed as ‘catastrophic’ fire danger, a category that did not exist until after the Black Saturday Bushfires in 2009, in which 173 people died and more than 2000 homes were destroyed.
Conditions on Black Saturday broke the scale for dangerous bushfire weather - before then the highest level was ‘extreme’, classed as anything with an FDI of more than 50, with the top reading of 100 set based on the 1939 Black Friday fires in Victoria in which 71 people died.Conditions on Black Saturday broke the scale for dangerous bushfire weather - before then the highest level was ‘extreme’, classed as anything with an FDI of more than 50, with the top reading of 100 set based on the 1939 Black Friday fires in Victoria in which 71 people died.
As this climate report by Greenpeace explains, the FDI at Kilmore on Black Saturday was 189, so the scale had to be re-drawn. Other analysis of Black Saturday, prepared by the ACT emergency services agency, shows and FDI rating of 200+ for most of Victoria.As this climate report by Greenpeace explains, the FDI at Kilmore on Black Saturday was 189, so the scale had to be re-drawn. Other analysis of Black Saturday, prepared by the ACT emergency services agency, shows and FDI rating of 200+ for most of Victoria.
What does that mean for Esperance? Well, it means that conditions were really very bad indeed. Temperatures were in the low 40s, humidity was low, and winds of up to 100km/h helped the fire cover 100km in four hours. There is nothing firefighters, or anyone else, can do in those conditions except hopefully stay out of the fire path.What does that mean for Esperance? Well, it means that conditions were really very bad indeed. Temperatures were in the low 40s, humidity was low, and winds of up to 100km/h helped the fire cover 100km in four hours. There is nothing firefighters, or anyone else, can do in those conditions except hopefully stay out of the fire path.
But there is better news today - Reader said conditions were expected to be “relatively mild and relatively benign” in the Esperance region over the next couple of days, which may give firefighters a chance to contain the fire.But there is better news today - Reader said conditions were expected to be “relatively mild and relatively benign” in the Esperance region over the next couple of days, which may give firefighters a chance to contain the fire.
Wayne Gregson, the WA fire commissioner, however, has refused to give any assurances on that front. Firefighters would do their best, but “the fire is contained when it’s contained.”Wayne Gregson, the WA fire commissioner, however, has refused to give any assurances on that front. Firefighters would do their best, but “the fire is contained when it’s contained.”
1.24am GMT01:241.24am GMT01:24
Scaddan Primary School, previously reported destroyed, appears to have escaped the blaze.Scaddan Primary School, previously reported destroyed, appears to have escaped the blaze.
@dfes_wa has confirmed that an aerial check of the Scaddan area has been completed and shows NO damage to the school #EsperanceFires@dfes_wa has confirmed that an aerial check of the Scaddan area has been completed and shows NO damage to the school #EsperanceFires
1.09am GMT01:091.09am GMT01:09
Calla WahlquistCalla Wahlquist
Four people who died in the Salmon Gums fire near Esperance were found in two separate vehicles and there are no confirmed reports of any further deaths, WA fire and emergency services commissioner Wayne Gregson has said.Four people who died in the Salmon Gums fire near Esperance were found in two separate vehicles and there are no confirmed reports of any further deaths, WA fire and emergency services commissioner Wayne Gregson has said.
Gregson addressed the media in Perth on Wednesday morning, just before heading into a state emergency management meeting with the emergency services minister, Joe Francis, and premier Colin Barnett.Gregson addressed the media in Perth on Wednesday morning, just before heading into a state emergency management meeting with the emergency services minister, Joe Francis, and premier Colin Barnett.
He said he was not able to confirm the details of the deaths, as that’s under police remit and still being investigated, but said the deceased were two adult men and two adult women.He said he was not able to confirm the details of the deaths, as that’s under police remit and still being investigated, but said the deceased were two adult men and two adult women.
“Again it’s not confirmed at this stage that there was single male occupant in one vehicle and three other occupants deceased in another vehicle,” he said.“Again it’s not confirmed at this stage that there was single male occupant in one vehicle and three other occupants deceased in another vehicle,” he said.
There have been substantial reported stock losses from the fire and Gregson said there were also unconfirmed reports that three houses or buildings had been lost. He said he had not heard reports that a school had been lost, despite reports that Scadden Primary School had burned down.There have been substantial reported stock losses from the fire and Gregson said there were also unconfirmed reports that three houses or buildings had been lost. He said he had not heard reports that a school had been lost, despite reports that Scadden Primary School had burned down.
Firefighters evacuated about 300 people from Salmon Gums/Grass Patch area, a swathe of farmland 50-100km north of Esperance, on Tuesday. About 60 are currently in Norseman, another 97km north of Salmon Gums.Firefighters evacuated about 300 people from Salmon Gums/Grass Patch area, a swathe of farmland 50-100km north of Esperance, on Tuesday. About 60 are currently in Norseman, another 97km north of Salmon Gums.
Updated at 1.09am GMTUpdated at 1.09am GMT
12.49am GMT00:4912.49am GMT00:49
The Western Australia premier Colin Barnett has just arrived at Department of Fire and Emergency Services HQ and has been taken upstairs for a briefing.The Western Australia premier Colin Barnett has just arrived at Department of Fire and Emergency Services HQ and has been taken upstairs for a briefing.
Satellite map circa 8am. Big orange blob on the left is where the Salmon Gums fire started. #EsperanceFires pic.twitter.com/3DcN9doTVGSatellite map circa 8am. Big orange blob on the left is where the Salmon Gums fire started. #EsperanceFires pic.twitter.com/3DcN9doTVG
The DFES’ alerts and warnings map currently shows 15 bushfires in the state, as well as two emergency warnings in Esperance.The DFES’ alerts and warnings map currently shows 15 bushfires in the state, as well as two emergency warnings in Esperance.
12.37am GMT00:3712.37am GMT00:37
Previous reports that Scaddan Primary School, 50 kilometres from Esperance, has been destroyed in the fire might not be accurate.Previous reports that Scaddan Primary School, 50 kilometres from Esperance, has been destroyed in the fire might not be accurate.
Primary schools at Scaddan, Grass Patch and Salmon Gums are reportedly closed, but Department of Education spokesman Ken Paris says it’s believed the schools are intact.Primary schools at Scaddan, Grass Patch and Salmon Gums are reportedly closed, but Department of Education spokesman Ken Paris says it’s believed the schools are intact.
“We believe that the infrastructure at this stage is all OK but we’ll await further advice particularly with regards to Grass Patch and Salmon Gums as the day unfolds,” he told the ABC.“We believe that the infrastructure at this stage is all OK but we’ll await further advice particularly with regards to Grass Patch and Salmon Gums as the day unfolds,” he told the ABC.
12.31am GMT00:3112.31am GMT00:31
The Bureau of Meteorology says the fires are a result of “really hot and really dry” weather, unusually early in the season.The Bureau of Meteorology says the fires are a result of “really hot and really dry” weather, unusually early in the season.
Fewer significant wind shifts were anticipated today, and temperatures have fallen, with a high of 25 degrees Celsius forecast in Esperance.Fewer significant wind shifts were anticipated today, and temperatures have fallen, with a high of 25 degrees Celsius forecast in Esperance.
12.27am GMT00:2712.27am GMT00:27
Fire commissioner addresses mediaFire commissioner addresses media
Fire Commissioner Wayne Gregson is speaking to media now.Fire Commissioner Wayne Gregson is speaking to media now.
Fire commissioner Wayne Gregson said firefighters responded to 111 fire incidents yesterday. pic.twitter.com/PyWCTUBwCTFire commissioner Wayne Gregson said firefighters responded to 111 fire incidents yesterday. pic.twitter.com/PyWCTUBwCT
More than 300 people been evacuated as a result of the fires, and three houses had been destroyed.More than 300 people been evacuated as a result of the fires, and three houses had been destroyed.
He said that there had been four deaths – a man in one car, and two woman and a man in another.He said that there had been four deaths – a man in one car, and two woman and a man in another.
Gregson hasn't heard of any other deaths besides the four reported. #EsperanceFiresGregson hasn't heard of any other deaths besides the four reported. #EsperanceFires
“We’re working as hard as possible to get these fires under control and return the community to normal. A full investigation will follow, as it inevitably does. ... We will let you know more information as it becomes available.”“We’re working as hard as possible to get these fires under control and return the community to normal. A full investigation will follow, as it inevitably does. ... We will let you know more information as it becomes available.”
He said local firefighters had been “working tirelessly” to contain the fires across the state, and urged the community to pay attention to official warnings, with more bad weather forecast for Saturday, Sunday and Monday.He said local firefighters had been “working tirelessly” to contain the fires across the state, and urged the community to pay attention to official warnings, with more bad weather forecast for Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
“Please, people be aware of your surroundings and heed official warnings. Do not leave it to late to put your plan into effect. If you are asked to evacuate, please do so. ... It is not possible to stay and defend against these types of fires.”“Please, people be aware of your surroundings and heed official warnings. Do not leave it to late to put your plan into effect. If you are asked to evacuate, please do so. ... It is not possible to stay and defend against these types of fires.”
12.13am GMT00:1312.13am GMT00:13
Fire Commissioner Wayne Gregson is about to address media on the state of the Esperance fires. Emergency warnings remain in place for Salmon Gums, Grass Patch, Mullet Lakes and Stockyard Creek.Fire Commissioner Wayne Gregson is about to address media on the state of the Esperance fires. Emergency warnings remain in place for Salmon Gums, Grass Patch, Mullet Lakes and Stockyard Creek.
12.06am GMT00:0612.06am GMT00:06
Documentary filmmakers Dave and Jennene Riggs posted these photos to Twitter late on Tuesday night, showing fire damage to land near Esperance.Documentary filmmakers Dave and Jennene Riggs posted these photos to Twitter late on Tuesday night, showing fire damage to land near Esperance.
Filming fire damage to critically endangered Western Ground Parrot habitat near #Esperance #esperancefires pic.twitter.com/GJhAsB5A0LFilming fire damage to critically endangered Western Ground Parrot habitat near #Esperance #esperancefires pic.twitter.com/GJhAsB5A0L
The area is home to the critically endangered western ground parrot – one of the rarest parrots in the world, and unique to Western Australia. There are thought to be 140 birds or fewer alive in the wild, and fire has been a significant contributing factor to their decline.The area is home to the critically endangered western ground parrot – one of the rarest parrots in the world, and unique to Western Australia. There are thought to be 140 birds or fewer alive in the wild, and fire has been a significant contributing factor to their decline.
11.58pm GMT23:5811.58pm GMT23:58
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services will hold a media conference at 8.15am local time with the latest information on the fires. Calla Wahlquist is on her way there now.The Department of Fire and Emergency Services will hold a media conference at 8.15am local time with the latest information on the fires. Calla Wahlquist is on her way there now.
Meanwhile, ABC News 24 is reporting that Scaddan Primary School, approximately 50 kilometres from Esperance, has been destroyed in the fire. The school was built in 1970 and opened in 1973; it has 31 students enrolled this year, aged between seven to 12.Meanwhile, ABC News 24 is reporting that Scaddan Primary School, approximately 50 kilometres from Esperance, has been destroyed in the fire. The school was built in 1970 and opened in 1973; it has 31 students enrolled this year, aged between seven to 12.
11.27pm GMT23:2711.27pm GMT23:27
Kate Sainty, 19, has sent us these startling images of the fire burning at Stockyard Creek and Mullet Lakes near Merivale, on the coast about 25km east of Esperance.Kate Sainty, 19, has sent us these startling images of the fire burning at Stockyard Creek and Mullet Lakes near Merivale, on the coast about 25km east of Esperance.
Kate and her father, Michael Sainty, are both firefighters; her mother Carolyn is a crew organiser. These photographs were taken by Kate of the fire in Merivale on Monday.Kate and her father, Michael Sainty, are both firefighters; her mother Carolyn is a crew organiser. These photographs were taken by Kate of the fire in Merivale on Monday.
It was sparked by lightning strike at about 4pm Sunday, and has since burned further east. So far 15,000ha has burned.It was sparked by lightning strike at about 4pm Sunday, and has since burned further east. So far 15,000ha has burned.
Updated at 11.46pm GMTUpdated at 11.46pm GMT
11.16pm GMT23:1611.16pm GMT23:16
Two of the people confirmed dead in the Salmon Gums/Grass Patch fire are reported to be a farmer and one of his workers, according to a report by the ABC’s Graeme Powell. Powell has also reported that as many as six people could have been killed in the fire but so far police have only found four bodies and confirmed four deaths.Two of the people confirmed dead in the Salmon Gums/Grass Patch fire are reported to be a farmer and one of his workers, according to a report by the ABC’s Graeme Powell. Powell has also reported that as many as six people could have been killed in the fire but so far police have only found four bodies and confirmed four deaths.
Powell also spoke to DFES regional fire officer Trevor Tasker, who said it was the worst fire he had ever seen.Powell also spoke to DFES regional fire officer Trevor Tasker, who said it was the worst fire he had ever seen.
“The wind and weather conditions were just – they all lined up, and it was just something that once it started there was no stopping it,” Tasker told ABC radio.“The wind and weather conditions were just – they all lined up, and it was just something that once it started there was no stopping it,” Tasker told ABC radio.
The farmer and farm hand are reportedly believed to have crashed a car near Salmon Gums.The farmer and farm hand are reportedly believed to have crashed a car near Salmon Gums.
“We believe that may be the case but until we get there this morning and have a good look we can’t really be sure,” Tasker said.“We believe that may be the case but until we get there this morning and have a good look we can’t really be sure,” Tasker said.
Details of the deaths have not been confirmed to Guardian Australia by police.Details of the deaths have not been confirmed to Guardian Australia by police.
11.04pm GMT23:0411.04pm GMT23:04
ABC journalist Graeme Powell has tweeted that the fires at Esperance may have claimed the lives of up to six people; police have confirmed only four fatalities so far.ABC journalist Graeme Powell has tweeted that the fires at Esperance may have claimed the lives of up to six people; police have confirmed only four fatalities so far.
WA Police media says it has no confirmation yet that more than 4 people have died. But @GraemePowell3 is reliable. https://t.co/zclkhU5vvAWA Police media says it has no confirmation yet that more than 4 people have died. But @GraemePowell3 is reliable. https://t.co/zclkhU5vvA
10.41pm GMT22:4110.41pm GMT22:41
My colleague Nick Evershed, Guardian Australia’s data editor, has put together a map showing the general location of the two bushfire emergency warning areas. This map is for general reference only; please check the alerts at the DFES website for current information.My colleague Nick Evershed, Guardian Australia’s data editor, has put together a map showing the general location of the two bushfire emergency warning areas. This map is for general reference only; please check the alerts at the DFES website for current information.
Updated at 10.42pm GMTUpdated at 10.42pm GMT
10.36pm GMT22:3610.36pm GMT22:36
Calla WahlquistCalla Wahlquist
Esperance shire president, Victoria Brown, spoke to ABC radio in Perth just before 6.30am local time. She’s been up since 4am at the control centre in Esperance and told breakfast host Gilllian O’Shaughnessy it was “the day from hell yesterday. Tragic.”Esperance shire president, Victoria Brown, spoke to ABC radio in Perth just before 6.30am local time. She’s been up since 4am at the control centre in Esperance and told breakfast host Gilllian O’Shaughnessy it was “the day from hell yesterday. Tragic.”
Brown said the district’s volunteer firefighters had been working since Sunday to put out the majority of the fires started by lightning strike on Sunday, but lost control of two under catastrophic fire conditions on Tuesday.Brown said the district’s volunteer firefighters had been working since Sunday to put out the majority of the fires started by lightning strike on Sunday, but lost control of two under catastrophic fire conditions on Tuesday.
“Everything started to happen so fast, and of course reports were coming in of what was happening on the ground and everyone wanted to know what was going on,” she said.“Everything started to happen so fast, and of course reports were coming in of what was happening on the ground and everyone wanted to know what was going on,” she said.
“It’s going to have a massive impact on our community, unfortunately we are no stranger to this kind of disaster… but we have never had it on this scale.”“It’s going to have a massive impact on our community, unfortunately we are no stranger to this kind of disaster… but we have never had it on this scale.”
An evacuation point has been set up at the Esperance Civic Centre. They will be hosting a community breakfast at 8am.An evacuation point has been set up at the Esperance Civic Centre. They will be hosting a community breakfast at 8am.
10.27pm GMT22:2710.27pm GMT22:27
Calla WahlquistCalla Wahlquist
There are two serious fires burning in the Esperance area, and two less serious fires that are nevertheless taking up firefighting resources.There are two serious fires burning in the Esperance area, and two less serious fires that are nevertheless taking up firefighting resources.
The most serious fire is between Salmon Gums and Grass Patch. Salmon Gums is a small farming town 106km north of Esperance, on the Coolgardie-Esperance Highway. The fire started by a lightning strike near Cascade, 50km, at 7am Sunday and is burning on both sides of the highway between Salmon Gums and Grass Patch. So far it’s burnt through 300,000ha.The most serious fire is between Salmon Gums and Grass Patch. Salmon Gums is a small farming town 106km north of Esperance, on the Coolgardie-Esperance Highway. The fire started by a lightning strike near Cascade, 50km, at 7am Sunday and is burning on both sides of the highway between Salmon Gums and Grass Patch. So far it’s burnt through 300,000ha.
An emergency warning remains in place and the fire is reported to be out of control an unpredictable, with flames up to 2m high. Police also just confirmed that four people had died in this fire – it’s not yet known how.An emergency warning remains in place and the fire is reported to be out of control an unpredictable, with flames up to 2m high. Police also just confirmed that four people had died in this fire – it’s not yet known how.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said this morning that it might try to evacuate people from Salmon Gums to Norseman, 97km north, via bus.The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said this morning that it might try to evacuate people from Salmon Gums to Norseman, 97km north, via bus.
The second serious fire is at Stockyard Creek and Mullet Lakes near Merrivale, near the coast about 25km east of Esperance. The fire is burning further east still. It started about 4pm Sunday, again by lightening strike. So far 15,000ha has burned.The second serious fire is at Stockyard Creek and Mullet Lakes near Merrivale, near the coast about 25km east of Esperance. The fire is burning further east still. It started about 4pm Sunday, again by lightening strike. So far 15,000ha has burned.
An emergency warning is still in place for that fire but the latest information says it is contained and stationary, if not controlled.An emergency warning is still in place for that fire but the latest information says it is contained and stationary, if not controlled.
Both fires were fanned by 97km gusting wind during a 42 degree day on Tuesday. A westerly wind change is expected to push both fires east today.Both fires were fanned by 97km gusting wind during a 42 degree day on Tuesday. A westerly wind change is expected to push both fires east today.
Updated at 10.38pm GMTUpdated at 10.38pm GMT
10.26pm GMT22:2610.26pm GMT22:26
Mic Fels, another Esperance farmer and app developer, tweeted on Tuesday afternoon that his wife and children moved to safety “with mad fire heading this way”.Mic Fels, another Esperance farmer and app developer, tweeted on Tuesday afternoon that his wife and children moved to safety “with mad fire heading this way”.
Gusting norwester and 40 degrees fanning this one. Its a nasty one here pic.twitter.com/mwybFpbCxlGusting norwester and 40 degrees fanning this one. Its a nasty one here pic.twitter.com/mwybFpbCxl
At midnight he confirmed that his farm had been spared by a change in wind direction.At midnight he confirmed that his farm had been spared by a change in wind direction.
We were spared by the late wind change but others not so lucky. Devastation and carnage across a massive front this afternoon.We were spared by the late wind change but others not so lucky. Devastation and carnage across a massive front this afternoon.
Cool this morning, but woke to devastating news of lives lost last night. Esperance is in mourning.Cool this morning, but woke to devastating news of lives lost last night. Esperance is in mourning.
10.19pm GMT22:1910.19pm GMT22:19
Esperance farmer and former WA Nationals candidate Colin de Grussa tweeted on Tuesday afternoon that he had been ordered to evacuate his farm due to the bushfires.Esperance farmer and former WA Nationals candidate Colin de Grussa tweeted on Tuesday afternoon that he had been ordered to evacuate his farm due to the bushfires.
Bye to the farm as we've been told to evacuate good luck to all #Esperance #bushfires pic.twitter.com/Yz9wcnjqptBye to the farm as we've been told to evacuate good luck to all #Esperance #bushfires pic.twitter.com/Yz9wcnjqpt
This thing is a monster and nothing we can do to stop it. A sick feeling leaving this place #Esperance #bushfire pic.twitter.com/V0LW7B5bdMThis thing is a monster and nothing we can do to stop it. A sick feeling leaving this place #Esperance #bushfire pic.twitter.com/V0LW7B5bdM
At 6pm, he tweeted that it was “still 38deg here and incredible winds”: “Direction may change but that just makes it worse!”At 6pm, he tweeted that it was “still 38deg here and incredible winds”: “Direction may change but that just makes it worse!”
A long night ahead chasing the #bushfire near #Esperance pic.twitter.com/PZtVK9boZqA long night ahead chasing the #bushfire near #Esperance pic.twitter.com/PZtVK9boZq
It's just a sea of glowing embers out here will be a wasteland by the light of day. #bushfire #EsperanceIt's just a sea of glowing embers out here will be a wasteland by the light of day. #bushfire #Esperance
This morning he apologised to those trying and failing to contact him: “if ever there was an incentive to fix our poor mobile coverage this is it”.This morning he apologised to those trying and failing to contact him: “if ever there was an incentive to fix our poor mobile coverage this is it”.
10.08pm GMT22:0810.08pm GMT22:08
Police confirm four fatalitiesPolice confirm four fatalities
Calla WahlquistCalla Wahlquist
WA Police have confirmed that four people died in the fire. Police spokeswoman Susan Usher issued this statement at 6am local time:WA Police have confirmed that four people died in the fire. Police spokeswoman Susan Usher issued this statement at 6am local time:
“During last night, four people were located deceased in the fire area of Grass Patch, Salmon Gums and surrounding areas in the Shire of Esperance.“During last night, four people were located deceased in the fire area of Grass Patch, Salmon Gums and surrounding areas in the Shire of Esperance.
“This morning five Disaster Victim Identification officers along with two Arson Squad detectives will fly to the area.“This morning five Disaster Victim Identification officers along with two Arson Squad detectives will fly to the area.
“Officers from the Kalgoorlie District will also fly to the area later this morning to assist local officers.“Officers from the Kalgoorlie District will also fly to the area later this morning to assist local officers.
“At this time, police cannot provide any further details in relation to the deceased and I don’t anticipate we will be able to provide you further details until inquiries are concluded.”“At this time, police cannot provide any further details in relation to the deceased and I don’t anticipate we will be able to provide you further details until inquiries are concluded.”
10.03pm GMT22:0310.03pm GMT22:03
According to the West Australian department of fire and emergency services, the Stockyard Creek bushfire has been contained, but not controlled, while the blaze near Grass Patch and Salmon Gums is moving slowly in a north-easterly direction.According to the West Australian department of fire and emergency services, the Stockyard Creek bushfire has been contained, but not controlled, while the blaze near Grass Patch and Salmon Gums is moving slowly in a north-easterly direction.
It is burning both sides of the Coolgardie-Esperance Highway between Scaddan and Salmon Gums, and is described as “out of control and unpredictable”, with flames as high as two metres.It is burning both sides of the Coolgardie-Esperance Highway between Scaddan and Salmon Gums, and is described as “out of control and unpredictable”, with flames as high as two metres.
In Perth, my colleague Calla Wahlquist is expecting to be updated by police shortly.In Perth, my colleague Calla Wahlquist is expecting to be updated by police shortly.
Updated at 10.38pm GMTUpdated at 10.38pm GMT
9.52pm GMT21:529.52pm GMT21:52
There are fears up to four people have died in bushfires burning out of control near the Western Australian town of Esperance.There are fears up to four people have died in bushfires burning out of control near the Western Australian town of Esperance.
Western Australian police said early this morning that they had received reports of multiple deaths in the fires.Western Australian police said early this morning that they had received reports of multiple deaths in the fires.
The fires – started by lightning strikes – have been burning near the towns of Grass Patch and Salmon Gums, about 100 kilometres north of Esperance, and at Stockyards Creek, about 25 kilometres east.The fires – started by lightning strikes – have been burning near the towns of Grass Patch and Salmon Gums, about 100 kilometres north of Esperance, and at Stockyards Creek, about 25 kilometres east.
An alert from the West Australian department of fire and emergency services – issued at 5.15am local time – was an “emergency warning” for residents of those areas: “You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive”.An alert from the West Australian department of fire and emergency services – issued at 5.15am local time – was an “emergency warning” for residents of those areas: “You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive”.
We’ll update this live blog as we learn more.We’ll update this live blog as we learn more.