Ferndale residents are relieved to return to their homes after a bushfire forced an emergency evacuation during the early hours of Thursday morning. 

The bushfire is now stationary, controlled and contained, with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services declaring residents could return to their homes at 11 am. 

Nearby roads closed by authorities were reopened with a reduced speed limit and mandatory headlights shortly before, allowing residents to reenter the area. 

Those living in areas bracketed by Canning River, Ferndale Crescent, Wilcock Street, Latham Road, Metcalf Road and Nicholson Road in Ferndale returned to the area shortly afterwards.   

Resident Cathy Tovani is one of many residents who evacuated the area, leaving her home at 5 am with her son and dog, while her husband opted to stay behind. She says she feels very relieved. 

“It’s great to be able to come back home and know I’ve got a home because you leave, and you start thinking about all the things you couldn’t take with you that you will never be able to replace,” she says. 

“Most importantly, I was glad to see that my husband was safe. He decided, like most gentlemen, to stay back and see what he could do.

“It’s good to know they were safe and we’ve still got a house and our neighbours have houses too, which is really important.” 

Many locals gathered around to discuss the morning’s events, while other residents showed their gratitude to the firefighters who were on the frontline and controlled the blaze. 

Mrs Torvani says it’s important to be part of a community that has each other’s backs. 

“It’s just about keeping an eye out for each other, something I think that’s just very Australian to do,” she says. 

“Make sure that if someone’s away that we’re looking out for their property, or if something’s not right, we’re just keeping in contact with each other. So, having each other’s phone numbers and doing little check-ins.

“To us, it’s great. You don’t need to know all the neighbours in your street, but to know the ones on either side of you and the ones across the road and behind you makes a big difference.”

The fire was first reported at 4 am and was progressively downgraded throughout the morning. Now classified as a ‘reduced threat’ and ‘monitor conditions’ for those in the Ferndale and Cannington areas. 

The blaze burned around 20 hectares of bushland and has caused other hazards like fallen trees and powerlines. 

The temperature was 19 degrees, with 50 per cent humidity when it started. The wind was heading in an easterly direction, and residents were advised to evacuate west, towards Ferndale Park and the nearby shopping centre. 

Conditions were ‘not too bad from the perspective of fire weather,’ according to Bureau of Meterology Duty Forecaster Bob Tarr. 

“The main driver for the conditions being challenging for crews on the ground has been the strong winds,” he says. 

“There is also some possibility of thunderstorms, which could result in bushfires, although most of the thunderstorms will be producing some rainfall. 

“So even though temperatures will be a bit milder from tomorrow, the combination of strong winds and possible lightning means the bushfire risk continues through the weekend.” 

DFES spokesperson Andrew Spry says they will continue monitoring the situation to ensure public safety. 

“We’ve currently got about 100 crew onsite – so local government representatives, career fire and rescue, parks and wildlife, firefighters – mopping up the wet area, or the unburnt areas of the fires,” he says. 

“It is safe for residents to return, and we’ve opened up the vehicle control point so people can access the roadways and neighbouring suburbs.

“DFES expects to be onsite until about 1800 hours where local crews will patrol approximately the next two to three days just to ensure community safety.” 

He says the cause is unknown and undetermined, but investigations are underway.