Major Bushfire in Western Australia – Update

A major bushfire, begun yesterday by a lightening strike, is burning on both sides of South Western Highway, Western Australia–110 km from Perth. Evacuation centers are open at Leschenault Leisure Centre, Leisure Dr., Australind and at Murray Leisure Centre, Pinjarra, and information is available from the Department of Fire & Emergency Services, http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au and on Twitter @dfes_wa

The temperature today reached 42.5C/108/5. The situation is so sad and frightening for all involved. Our family is personally affected as their summer youth camp site is threatened. It’s hopeful winds will change, no one will be harmed, and camp can begin as scheduled next Tuesday.

Bushfires near Yarloop & Youth Camp

Bushfires near Esperance seen from the Southern Ocean

UPDATE:  Sunday in Australia. Youth Camp – Camp Logue Brook in Cookernup, WA, has been cancelled. The building housing the kitchen, dining room, and offices was completely destroyed along with all but one cabin. The assistant camp director, his home and family are safe, as is the amphitheater seating area and the stage down the hillside. Many trees are still standing, but as charred remains. Over 140 structures–homes, businesses and historic buildings in Yarloop were destroyed and two deaths have been reported. The fires have continued to the coast along the Indian Ocean, and south, even threatening, again, the area around Esperance–the fabulous town just at the edge of The Great Australia Bite on coast of the South Ocean. I’ve previously written about the fabulous beaches and waters there.