Here’s How You Can Help Perth’s Bushfire Victims

Hundreds have been evacuated and at least 81 homes are destroyed.

Since Monday, a bushfire in the Perth Hills has been threatening the lives and homes of Western Australians. The bushfire has since spread almost 10,400 hectares, and at least 81 homes have reportedly been destroyed by the flames, with that number expected to rise.

On Wednesday afternoon, WA’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issued an emergency warning to residents near Gidgegannup, east of Walynga national park, on Avon Ridge and in the Joshua Mews area that it was too late to evacuate and they should shelter in place or defend against the fire if possible.

More than 500 firefighters worked overnight to battle the flames against homes, finding success and protecting the Shady Hills estate due to two retardant lines that were put in place on Wednesday night.

The state government has also secured a second and third aerial water tanker—one of which from New South Wales—to help fight the continuing bushfire.

Fortunately, there have been no lives lost but many families have been forced to evacuate their homes and spend the rest of Perth’s coronavirus lockdown in evacuation centres. 

In a press conference this morning, Premier Mark McGowan updated the state on the progress of the bushfire effort and the updated damage to personal property.

"They are all very courageous people, who are going through so much," Mr McGowan said about the people affected whom he spoke to at the Brown Park evacuation centre yesterday.

Mr McGowan also anounced that due to the loss, the state government will be providing $4,000 to those whose homes have been destroyed and $2,000 to those who have experienced extensive damage to their properties.

A disaster response hotline has also been set up for those in need of assistance and welfare support. This hotline can be reached on 1800 032 965.

Now with firefighters entering their fourth day fighting the blaze, there is worry for another difficult few days due to strong easterly winds, that are forecast from Thursday and into the weekend.

Authorities aren’t yet clear how the blaze started but there is confidence that it started on Werribee Road near Great Eastern Highway. There are also no indications of criminality or of the fire being intentionally lit.

This morning, DFES announced another Bushfire Emergency Warning, with the fire still moving, for parts of Aveley, Bailup, Baskerbille, Belhus, Brigadoon, Bullsbrook, Ellenbrook, Gidgegannup, Henley Brook, Millendon, The Vines, Upper Swan, Walyunga national park, Wooroloo and Wundowe in the shires of Mundaring, Chittering, Northam and the City of Swan.

If you are located in any of the areas under threat, follow the advice of authorities and evacuate or prepare to evacuate if you are instructed to do so.

How can I help?

If the devastation of the bushfire has left you wanting to help, you are not alone. There are many ways that you can get involved and help those affected, emergency services and native wildlife.

Donate to official disaster relief.

DFES has compiled a list of the charities and volunteer organisations that you can donate or lend a hand to during this bushfire season.

Some of the official charities and funds include:

• The Red Cross: to help communities recover from the effects of losing their belongings and homes.
• The Salvation Army: to support the Australian Disaster Relief services.
• The Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund: to support both the community recovery and emergency services, which has been lending a hand since 1961.
• The Volunteer Hardship Assistance Scheme: to support emergency service volunteers with financial assistance. 

Volunteer.

If you want to do more, and can assist in trying to stop the bushfires, you can join your local volunteer brigade, group or unit. These include:

• Bush Fire Service
• Marine Rescue
• State Emergency Service
• Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
• Volunteer Fire and Rescue

If you do plan to volunteer for the bushfire effort, remember to take all precautions to stay covid-safe and follow instructions from authorities.

GoFundMe 

GoFundMe has set up a hub so that you can donate directly to families who have lost their homes in the bushfire.

Here you can learn a bit about the families who have lost their homes and what kind of assistance they need. 

Donate to animal charities. 

Of course, various wildlife, pets and livestock have also been affected by the bushfires. There are several charities that you can donate to, to help care for affected animals and rescue operations. These include:

• Native Animal Rescue: which treats and cares for sick, displaced and orphaned wildlife.
• RSPCA WA: which assists with the management of animal rescue operations and helps care for affected animals.

To find the full list of recommended charities, head to the DFES website

Header Image: Facebook (Mark McGowan)