Perth, February 4, 2026 — The Europe Today: Residents and visitors along the southwest coast of Western Australia were ordered to evacuate on Wednesday evening as a bushfire in the region posed a serious threat to life and property.
The Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issued an emergency warning indicating that the fire was endangering homes and lives in the community of Forest Grove, located approximately 250 kilometers southwest of Perth.
According to DFES, while the fire had been contained, it was not yet under control and was advancing in a northwesterly direction. Authorities urged people in affected areas of Forest Grove to evacuate immediately if it was safe to do so, while those unable to leave were advised to prepare to shelter inside their homes. “You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive,” the warning stated.
Firefighters were actively engaged in combating the blaze, with aerial resources deployed to support ground operations.
Forest Grove, a small community with a population of 253 according to the 2021 census, lies near the larger town of Margaret River, located about 15 kilometers to the north, which has more than 7,000 residents.
