Properties saved as bushfire threat downgraded

Firefighters have saved properties from a bushfire burning near of the town of Carnarvon in Western Australia, with the threat level downgraded. Residents in North Plantations had been told to evacuate on Monday afternoon due to an out-of-control bushfire burning north of the Gascoyne River. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services downgraded the threat level from emergency to "watch and act" on Monday night, saying the fire activity had decreased but there remained a possible threat. The bushfire, first reported just after 3pm (AWST), was stationary but not contained, and 80 hectares had been burnt. "Firefighters are continuing to actively defend properties, including those near North River Road," the department said. "Firefighters have saved a number of properties in the area, with no property losses being reported." An evacuation centre has been set up at the Carnarvon Civic Centre. A number of roads are closed in the area.