Bushfires Trigger Evacuations in Perth Suburbs

Residents in Perth's northern and southern suburbs faced urgent evacuation orders on Friday as out-of-control bushfires threatened homes and lives, while extreme weather conditions escalated bushfire risks across New South Wales and severe storms disrupted southeast Queensland.

In Perth's north, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued an emergency warning around 2:40 p.m. for areas between Tonkin Highway and Sawpit Road in Bullsbrook, a semi-rural community about 40 kilometers northeast of the city center. The fire, which ignited around 1 p.m., was burning on both sides of Tonkin Highway and advancing northeast, uncontrolled and uncontained. Homes along Sawpit Road were directly in its path. "You are in danger and need to act immediately," a DFES spokesperson said. "If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place. This may be with family or friends away from the area. If safe to do so, leave in an easterly direction. Do not wait and see; leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger."

Waterbombers and ground crews were deployed to battle the flames, but strong winds and dry conditions fueled its spread. Tonkin Highway was closed between The Promenade and...