An out-of-control fire is burning near Albany on Western Australia's south-coast and was started by fireworks, authorities say.
A watch and act alert has been issued for the blaze as 40 firefighters work to contain it with help from aerial water bombers.
The fire started at Normans Beach in Many Peaks and is thought to have spread as far as Betty's Beach, about 20 kilometres east of Albany.
People in the eastern part of Two Peoples Bay, in an area bounded by South Coastal Highway, Hutton Road, Nanarup Road and Dempster Road, have been told to leave or get ready to defend their properties.
Police are looking for two four-wheel-drive vehicles seen in the area.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said flames were up to 10 metres high along the front of the fire, which is approaching Two Peoples Bay Road.
FURTHER UPDATES IN= FIRE UPDATES ( TOP OF GENERAL SECTION ) AS THEY COME TO HAND,
K.J.
-- Edited by kiwijims on Saturday 2nd of January 2016 06:35:40 PM
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From Coast to Coast, We'll see it all.......One Day
Sad that idiots who feel they can let off fireworks which are illegal to use privately and cause such destruction, destroy peoples property and kill the holidays for those staying in the area.
We had young yobs set off imported cannon shells nearby to us at 1pm (they were so drunk they missed midnight) NY Eve and set fire to the grass in a suburban park and all the trees in it. Guess the ratepayers will be paying for the Council to plant new trees and re-grass the park as well as repair the reticulation system
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Cheers Bruce
The amazing things you see when nomading Australia
