The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued a warning to holidaymakers planning to travel to Esperance and surrounding areas this long weekend.
Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM warned people to check their travel plans before setting off, with nine large fires currently burning out of control and four of those fires near the town of Esperance.
“The fires are not threatening Esperance itself so there is no need to cancel your visit, but people should check road closures and bushfire warnings to ensure they can safely travel on their intended route,” Commissioner Klemm said.
A complex fire system with a collective area of almost 400,000 hectares has been burning within the Shire of Esperance this week, with fears it could last weeks if not months.
Conditions in the area have intensified in recent days, with hot and windy weather and the potential for dry lightning increasing risk.
Fires burning near the highways leading to the town could impact travel plans as more than 2,000 people are expected to visit the region over the Labour Day long weekend, attending four major events in Esperance, including the Esperance Cup and a beach volleyball tournament.
Commissioner Klemm thanked local farmers, volunteer and career firefighters and Parks and Wildlife Service staff and for their hard work fighting the bushfires.
“There are more than 200 firefighters, 11 aircraft, 42 fire appliances and 23 earthmoving vehicles fighting the bushfires, which had burnt through more than 230,000 hectares," he said.
“Local farmers and volunteers, some of whom have travelled from as far as Carnarvon, have done an outstanding job, putting their lives on hold to help protect the community and keep everyone safe,” he said.
“I would also like to acknowledge members of the community who have heeded the warnings and put their bushfire plans into action.
“We are expecting fire conditions to intensify today and we urge everyone to remain vigilant and check Emergency WA website for the latest information.”
Travellers heading to areas affected by the bushfires can check road conditions on Emergency WA and the Main Roads WA websites.
