Perth bushfires: Emergency Response teams provide support
13 January 2014
The Salvation Army Emergency Services in Western Australia have been supporting fire crews and communities affected by bushfires in the Perth hills.
Following the hottest night on record in Perth, hot easterly winds fanned a fire east in the hills of Perth on Sunday 12 January.
Tragically, a man has died attempting to protect his house from fires. To date at least 27 houses have been lost, a number tipped to rise in the coming days.
As well as providing refreshments to all emergency services personnel present, Salvation Army officers, volunteers and chaplains are on site at various locations providing practical, emotional and pastoral support where appropriate.
In the last 24 hours Salvation Army Emergency Services teams have:
- Assisted at six different fire locations
- Deployed over 100 Salvation Army volunteers
- Served more than 1000 meals to fire and SES crews
As of Sunday night, fires have been contained but not controlled. Relief has come with cooler temperatures.
Salvation Army volunteers on the ground tell of one family who moved into a Homeswest house (government housing) just two weeks ago after being homeless for 12 months. It is now feared that their house may have been lost in the fires.
Salvation Army volunteers and chaplains will continue to provide support to families and individuals like this, who have lost homes or have nowhere to stay. In the coming days and weeks, The Salvation Army will work with local authorities to assess the needs of people affected and offer material and emotional assistance.
Director of Salvation Army Emergency Services WA Benjamin Day said on Sunday night, “Our work will continue throughout the night and well into tomorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are affected