Gingin bushfire: Residents evacuate as 20 crews dispatched to fight out-of-control blaze north of Perth

An out-of-control bushfire has scorched three hectares north of Perth with residents temporarily evacuated from their homes. At least 20 crews were dispatched to fight the bushfire on Saturday afternoon. The blaze prompted a bushfire emergency warning for parts of Coonabidgee and Granville in the Shire of Gingin just before 2pm before being downgraded to a watch and act just before 3pm. The fire burned an area the size of more than five football fields before firefighters managed to contain and control it by just before 5pm. Residents have been allowed to return to their homes safely but the extent of damage to property is not yet known. Department of Fire and Emergency Services said the cause of the fire has not been determined but expects the Shire of Gingin to launch an investigation. The blaze scorched an area bound by Gingin Brook Road to the north, Brand Highway to the east, Hoy Road to the south and Todman Road to the west. The fire caused significant smoke over Brand Highway with DFES warning anyone driving through the area is asked to drive with extreme caution. It comes as the mercury was tipped to reach 34 degrees on Saturday and DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm last week warned firefighters were gearing up for “dangerous fire weather to arrive early”. “For those people who are in bushfire-prone areas, it’s critical that they take action over the next few months to prepare their properties, particularly with spring looking to be warmer and drier than usual,” he said. For the most up-to-date information on the fire visit Emergency WA or call 13 DFES (13 3337).