Goldfields-Esperance bushfires travel warning

There are a large number of bushfires burning in the area and fire conditions have intensified in recent days, with hot and windy weather and the potential for dry lightning.

This is coupled with more than 2,000 people expected to visit the region this Labour Day long weekend, attending four major events in Esperance, including the Esperance Cup and a beach volleyball tournament.

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM said there are currently nine large fires burning out of control in the Goldfields and Esperance regions, with four of them near Esperance and the highways leading to the town which could impact travel plans.

“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.

“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.”

Commissioner Klemm thanked local farmers, volunteer and career firefighters and Parks and Wildlife Service staff and for their hard work fighting the bushfires.

“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.​