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Three firefighters hospitalised as Yanchep and Collie fires continue to burn

Headshot of Caitlyn Rintoul
Caitlyn RintoulThe West Australian
VideoFirefighters taken to hospital for smoke inhalation while fighting fires near Collie

Update (8.35pm): DFES have downgraded their warning for fires raging near Collie to a Bushfire Advice, with predictions that overnight winds will push the fire in a north-north-westerly direction away from private properties.

While there is currently no threat to lives or homes, thick smoke remains in the area.

Although there is no immediate danger people are advised stay aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

Previous (7.12pm): An experienced career firefighter was injured by a falling tree while battling the Yanchep bushfire while two volunteers were transported to hospital suffering smoke inhalation at the Collie fire front today.

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One of the volunteer firefighters was so badly affected by the smoke they were passing in and out of consciousness, 7NEWS reported.

It is understood the career firefighter was taken to Joondalup Health Campus but was later discharged.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services at work at the bushfires near Yanchep. Photo: Evan Collis
Camera IconDepartment of Fire and Emergency Services at work at the bushfires near Yanchep. Photo: Evan Collis

Farmland and a holiday retreat are in the immediate danger zone in Collie as the blaze devours thick bush that hasn’t burnt in almost four decades.

The blaze has burnt about 7400 hectares of State forest near Collie sending smoke more than 60kms from the fire zone, prompting a health alert for people in Perth and the South West.

In scorching temperatures, more than 120 firefighters — aided by a Boeing 737 water tanker jet recently used to save homes in New South Wales — battled the blaze threatening the small township.

Yordamung Road Retreat owner Russell Tierney was actively defending his Collie property from the threat of fire yesterday.

“All the mates have been around with their tanks, pumping water and getting ready for the fire,” he told 7NEWS.

The Boeing 737 water tanker jet in action over Collie.
Camera IconThe Boeing 737 water tanker jet in action over Collie. Credit: 7NEWS

The air quality in Bunbury was recorded as “extreme”, the worst on the index, while in Collie the air was rated as “poor”.

People with asthma and pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular illnesses have been urged to follow their pre-prepared treatment plan.

Those with conditions exacerbated by smoke have been encouraged to take precautions in line with their medical advice.

Several campsites and trails have been closed by authorities, including, Possum Springs, Yourdamung and Harris Dam camp sites, The Bibbulmun Track between Harvey Quindanning Road and Mornington Road and The Arklow mountain bike trails.

The cause of the fire in Collie is still unknown.

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