Strike team ready

A strike team consisting of six firefighting crews from Geraldton and the Mid West remain on standby as fires continue in southern Western Australia.

Volunteers from Geraldton, Dongara, Perenjori, Three Springs, Jurien and Cervantes would travel to assist in the containment of fires in the State’s south if the need arises.

With a significant number of firefighters departing from the metropolitan area this week, it is also possible the Mid West strike team would be called to assist with bushfires closer to Perth.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services fire inland district officer Ian Thompson said it would depend on what happened in the Goldfields-Esperance today and over the weekend.

“It depends on what happens in that region and how quickly that gets downgraded and brought under control,” he said.

“Our guys are basically on standby to go wherever they’re needed, it’s not specific where they’d be going.

“It will be all volunteers that would go, but career staff out of this office would also go down with them to manage their welfare.”

Low wind conditions and easing weather on Wednesday night and yesterday morning resulted in DFES downgrading an emergency warning in the region to a watch and act.

Those wishing to donate to the Official Esperance Fires appeal can pay over the counter at any BankWest branch or agency, to the dedicated appeal account BSB: 306-035 Account Number: 201445-8, on the phone via credit card on 9461 3886 during normal business hours or by mail to LMDRF, Esperance Fires Appeal, City of Perth, GPO Box C120, Perth WA 6839.