An emergency bushfire warning has been issued for the coastal town of Ledge Point, located about 105 kilometers north of Perth, as flames threaten to engulf the area. Residents are urged to evacuate immediately to protect their lives and homes.
The warning was upgraded to emergency status by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) around 5 am on March 17, 2025, after the blaze was first reported just after 1 am. This fire is moving rapidly and uncontained, headed west-northwesterly toward the townsite.
People residing within the designated emergency area, bounded by Old Ledge Point Road to the north, Indian Ocean Drive to the east, Bennies Road to the south, and the coast to the west, have been strongly advised to act quickly. “You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive,” DFES warned, making it clear how quickly the situation has escalated.
The evacuation should be made east along Ledge Point Road toward Indian Ocean Drive, then traveling north to Lancelin if it is safe to do so. Residents who cannot evacuate are advised to seek refuge inside their homes, preferably in rooms with running water and accessible exits. The Lancelin Community Sports Centre has been designated as the official evacuation center, accommodating residents who need shelter.
Darren Morgan, the DFES incident controller, shared insights about the response efforts: “Crews haven't been able to get in there due to the terrain, so we're unsure how big it is.” He noted the uncertainties surrounding the fire, stating, “We believe it is suspicious so we’ve asked our fire investigations officers to come up and have a look for us to see if they can determine a cause.” This statement has only compounded the urgency and concern within the community as firefighters attempt to contain the blaze.
Approximately 150 firefighters have been deployed to combat the fire, with many struggling against challenging terrain to prevent the flames from breaching the town limits. Reports indicate flames are currently burning dangerously close—approximately 500 meters—from the local caravan park, resulting in its evacuation early this morning.
The caravan park management acted quickly, evacuate patrons at around 3:15 am. A resident, Shane Kempton, stated, “The caravan park management did an amazing job getting everyone out.” With thick smoke filling the area, visibility has been significantly reduced, emphasizing the urgent nature of the fire.
Road closures are now enforced along Ledge Point Road between Indian Ocean Drive and Old Ledge Point Road, restricting access to returning traffic. Amidst these rising tensions, residents south of Bennies Road are receiving different advisories depending on their proximity to the fire, underscoring the volatile nature of the situation.
The blaze has cooperatively merged with another controlled fire located near the eastern parts of Yeal Nature Reserve, having already scorched over 1,092 hectares of land, and maintaining progress northward. It’s also impacting temperatures across parts of Western Australia, which are expected to soar to the mid-30s, creating ideal conditions for fire spread.
For many residents, the worry extends beyond mere property as individuals scramble to gather emergency kits, medications, and personal belongings. “It’s very smoky in town; you wouldn’t want to be outside. Most of the town is covered in smoke,” shared Jay Barrett, a local fisherman and volunteer firefighter, illustrating the atmospheric conditions facing Ledge Point.
Despite the chaos, local authorities remain committed to keeping residents informed as they navigate this grave emergency. The latest updates are available via channels such as Emergency WA, DFES hotline, and local radio stations.
An immediate focus remains on how this fire started, with many questions left unanswered by officials. The community and fire teams await the arrival of investigative units to determine the fire's origin, treated as suspicious by authorities, and to work toward assurance for the town’s safety.
Residents are encouraged to maintain situational awareness, heed warnings, and act on guidance offered by DFES. Those who have fled are advised not to return to their homes until the all-clear is provided, which aims to prevent tragedies if the fire were to escalate.