Albany bushfire: Fire on Vancouver Peninsula downgraded to advice as firefighters strengthen containment lines

A fire burning on Vancouver Peninsula north of Shoal Bay Retreat, including Camp Quaranup, in the City of Albany has been downgraded to advice as the fire slows and firefighters strengthen containment lines.

Hikers, beachgoers and residents on Albany’s Vancouver Peninsula were told to act immediately to survive on Monday afternoon as an out-of-control blaze raged at the popular tourist spot.

The beach-side fire, which started at Whaling Cove near Fishery Beach, was first reported at 1.47pm and had burnt 30ha by Monday evening.

An emergency warning was issued at 2.57pm and was downgraded to watch and act at 4.04pm after 20 people in the vicinity of Camp Quaranup were evacuated, including 16 residents and four staff.

The fire continued to move fast in a north-westerly direction with 45 firefighters across six fire crews, including two water-bombing squads working to extinguish the blaze and evacuate people in the Camp Quaranup area.

The City of Albany’s chief bushfire control officer Rob Lynn said the initial focus was on protecting the heritage-listed Camp Quaranup.

There is believed to be no damage to any structures at this stage though some buildings on the walking trail, such as lookouts, have not yet been checked.

“It just shows even on a cooler day like today people need to be aware of what’s going on around them,” Mr Lynn said.

“We were concerned there might be people on the walking trails out there as well as people at the camp, of course.

“That was initially my concern, but we got everyone out of the area nice and early.”

At 7.50pm, the warning was downgraded to advice.

Quaranup Road north of Shoal Bay Retreat remains closed and motorists are urged to avoid the area.

The cause of the blaze is unknown.

WHAT TO DO

• Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
• Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
• Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air-conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
• Read through your bushfire survival plan.
• If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation gets worse. You can make a plan by visiting My Bushfire Plan