Fitzgerald River National Park: Ravensthorpe residents urged to evacuate as bushfire escalated to an emergency

Residents in parts of Ravensthorpe have been urged to evacuate with an out of control bushfire already burning through more than 3000 hectares.

The bushfire was escalated to an emergency just before 2.30pm with people in the vicinity of Moir Road and John Forrest Road, south-west of Koornong Road in Cowerdup told their lives and homes were in danger.

About 127 firefighters are fighting the fire and constructing containment lines, while aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.

Hamersley Drive, West River Road and Moir Track are all closed at the boundary to Fitzgerald River National Park.

The bushfire is moving in a north easterly direction and isn’t contained.

The fire started on Friday morning due to lightning at the north of Hamersley Drive and west of Eyre Range.

The upgraded warning comes following a water bomber crashing in the Fitzgerald River National Park at about 4.15pm on Monday while battling the out-of-control blaze in Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun.

Incredibly, the two male pilots, who have so far only been identified as North Americans, were confirmed as having survived about 20 minutes later.

It’s yet to be confirmed if it was the only 737 undertaking water bombing in Australia.