South Greenough bushfire alert downgraded as fire brought under control

A bushfire which ripped through 400 hectares of scrubland today threatening lives and homes near South Greenough has been brought under control by firefighters with air support.

As of 3.15pm the emergency warning issued for Greenough and surrounding areas was downgraded to an advice with the fire now contained and under control.

Initially reported by a triple zero caller at 8.16am, the fire quickly ripped through the Greenough sand dunes before it was contained by firefighters working with support from aerial bombers.

Homes in Greenough and the Geraldton Greenough Wildlife Park were earlier evacuated as the bushfire burnt out-of-control.

Wildlife Carer Michelle Jones said the morning had been “extremely stressful” as she battled thick smoke to evacuate the animals.

“The fire looks like it started just behind us in the dunes,” she said. “It got within half a kilometre of the park before the wind pushed it south.”

“A lot of people rallied to help us and for that I’m so thankful.”

Earlier today a Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokeswoman told the Geraldton Guardian there was a possible threat to lives and homes as the conditions worsened.

“The fire is not contained or controlled yet,” she said at 12pm today.

“Air support water bombers have been called in from Perth with the aim to attack the fire directly and extinguish.”

She said the fire was burning south at a rate of 1.5 – 2km/h, however there were fears it could escalate due to the winds increasing and the severe heat.

It’s believed the fire started near the intersection of Company Road and Reynolds Road, however a cause has yet to be determined.