Residents in Geraldton are returning home after authorities downgraded bushfire warnings on Monday afternoon. Emergency crews and volunteers battled intense flames in the northern suburbs over the weekend, saving key facilities while one home was destroyed.
Emergency Efforts Protect Vulnerable Sites
Firefighters and support staff fought the blaze with help from aircraft and 55 vehicles on the ground. They protected the Nazareth residential aged care facility and Waggrakine Primary School from direct fire threats. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services confirmed no injuries throughout the crisis.
Firefighters survey fire-damaged bushland at Geraldton
Community Disruption and Power Loss
Up to 605 homes and businesses lost power, mainly in Waggrakine. Western Power restored supply to many as crews cleared hazards. Roads in affected areas remained blocked by debris and fallen power lines. Residents who evacuated spent hours at local support centres before returning home.
Heightened Fire Danger and Quick Response
Authorities announced a total fire ban for the City of Greater Geraldton. Harvest and vehicle movement bans are extended throughout Tuesday. Up to 200 personnel, including volunteers and state fire services, responded to prevent further property loss. Weather conditions created significant challenges as temperatures reached 42 degrees Celsius and winds gusted up to 80 kilometres an hour.
The blaze left Geraldton’s bush blackened
Investigations and Suspicions of Arson
WA Police’s arson squad and local detectives investigated the blaze’s origins. Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia called actions suspected as deliberate “totally unacceptable” and stated, “Strike Force Vulcan are going to be focused on identifying the culprits and bringing them to justice.” Officials warn residents about fire safety as summer temperatures rise.
Government and Leadership Support
Premier Roger Cook said the bushfire escalated rapidly due to high winds and extreme heat. He confirmed the loss of one home while assessment teams surveyed for more possible damage. “We thank again, all the members of our volunteer and career firefighting teams . . . it’s the first day of summer, and not surprisingly, I think we all need to be aware of this fire,” Premier Cook said.
Evacuation Experiences
Local resident Nick Morgan lost his home, returning to find “nothing left but ash.” Community members described the event as distressing, with neighbours helping each other evacuate. Kerry Baker from Sunset Beach left minutes after noticing smoke, grabbing essential medications before roads closed.
City and Community Warnings
Greater Geraldton City Mayor Jerry Clune called the last 24 hours “harrowing” and urged ongoing caution. Incident controller Brent Allen explained, “One of the biggest things with the wind is it changes dramatically throughout the day, which means the fire front will be consistently changing through the day.” Many residents stayed alert to shifting winds and shifting fire fronts.
Geraldton fire incident controller Brent Allen and Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia
Support Centres and Aid
The Department of Communities opened evacuation centres at QEII Seniors and Community Centre and Northampton Recreation Centre. Support teams provided food, water, and bedding for those displaced. Emergency agencies encouraged anyone affected to seek help if needed.
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Current Status and Outlook
By Monday evening, fire authorities reduced warnings and allowed safe returns to many suburbs. Some areas remain at watch and act alert levels. Officials continue to urge readiness as the bushfire season has just begun and high fuel loads in the Geraldton Sandplains leave the region at risk. The community has thanked the state’s emergency services for a prompt response and ongoing vigilance.
Continuing Caution
Fire and weather officials remind residents that grass and bushfires can occur anytime during the hotter months. Crews monitor conditions as “persistent soil moisture deficits” mean the threat continues for communities across Western Australia’s Midwest.
Contact Points and Further Information
Residents can visit Emergency WA for the latest updates. The City of Greater Geraldton and Department of Fire and Emergency Services provide current safety advice and community alerts as summer progresses.
