JAMES Vaz whose extended family owns the Yanchep Service Station destroyed in yesterday’s bushfire says what has happened is just starting to sink in.
In a statement Mr Vaz said they were anxiously waiting to be able to see the remains of what once was the backbone of Yanchep.
“For three generations we were doing our bit as a local business to help build Yanchep to what it is today,’’ he said.
“We are devastated.
“It goes to show how quickly these disasters can happen and how it effects everyone involved.
“We are thankful for the firefighters working day and night to save what they can.
“We thank the community for the ongoing support.
“It truly means a lot to our families.
“We are proud to be a part of such a loving local community.
“As to where the future lays, well we can’t think that far ahead.
“We will take it day by day and just be thankful to be alive.’’
Yanchep Service Station was in the path of the bushfire, which Yanchep News Online understands is believed to have started yesterday in the S-bends on Wanneroo Rd near the Indian Ocean Dr and Yanchep Beach Rd intersection.
So far the bushfire has burnt 1023ha of land in the Yanchep area.
The following alert was issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) at 10.39am on Tuesday, December 12.
Please note changes under Extra Information.
Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for parts of TWO ROCKS, EGLINTON and YANCHEP in the CITY OF WANNEROO
ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people bounded by TWO ROCKS townsite to the north, YANCHEP NATIONAL PARK including YANCHEP GOLF ESTATE to the east, EGLINTON to the south and TWO ROCKS ROAD and MARMION ROAD to the west in the CITY OF WANNEROO.
- The alert level for this fire has been downgraded as firefighters have been working overnight to construct containment lines and contain the fire.
- There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and the conditions are changing.
- The fire started near the intersection of INDIAN OCEAN DRIVE and YANCHEP BEACH ROAD in YANCHEP.
WHAT TO DO:
- If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.
- Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
- If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.
- If you plan to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. You need to have access to an independent water supply, and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.
- If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.
Bushfire ADVICE for the northern part of Two Rocks including Seatrees Estate on Breakwater Drive and the eastern part of YANCHEP in CITY OF WANNEROO
ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for people the northern part of Two Rocks including Seatrees Estate on Breakwater Drive and the eastern part of YANCHEP in CITY OF WANNEROO.
- There is no threat to lives or homes.
- Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
- The fire started near the intersection of INDIAN OCEAN DR and YANCHEP BEACH RD in YANCHEP.
WHAT TO DO:
- Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
- Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
- Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.
- Read through your bushfire survival plan.
- If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.
If driving
- Be extremely careful when driving through the area.
- Turn your headlights on and drive slowly.
- Watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.
BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:
- The bushfire is stationary.
- It is contained but not controlled. There is still active fire in Yanchep National Park.
SAFER PLACE:
- Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.
- The Department of Communities has set up a temporary evacuation centre at at the Gumblossom Community Centre, 17 Tapping Way, Quinns Rocks.
- Be aware that only essential items can be taken into these centres. Alcohol and pets, except guide and assistance dogs, are prohibited. While the evacuation centre does not accept pets, except guide and assistance dogs, you can bring small pets as they are being accomodated outside, if possible.
ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:
Avoid the area and be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.
The following roads remain closed:
- Yanchep Beach Road
- Old Yanchep Road
- Wanneroo Road/Indian Ocean Drive from Breakwater Drive to Pipidinny Road
- Yanchep National Park is closed
Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke.
Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au OR CITY OF WANNEROO.
POWER:
Western Power has advised that approximately 20 customers have been impacted by outages from the fire in the area.
For further details visit www.westernpower.com.au.
WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:
- Firefighters are on the scene, strengthening containment lines.
- 151 Parks and Wildlife Service, Bush Fire Service, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services, Career Fire and Rescue Service firefighters are attending.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
- The fire was reported at 02:16 PM on 11 December 2019.
- Currently there has been 1023 hectares burnt.
- DFES is managing the fire.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dfes_wa, Facebook: https://facebook.com/dfeswa/, listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR, or news bulletins.
During a power outage, your home phone, computer or other electronic devices connected to the NBN will not work. Include a battery powered radio in your emergency kit.
Updates will be issued every two hours unless the situation changes.
