A number of parishioners in the Wanneroo and Banksia Grove parishes were last week faced with evacuations following a huge bushfire that tore through the semi-rural area.
The firefighting efforts were hampered by unseasonably hot and windy weather, but the fire is now contained and controlled.
As many as 18 homes were lost in the blaze and more than 1,900 hectares (4,700 acres) of land including farms and residential buildings were destroyed.
The orange flames were clearly visible from Banksia Grove Parish, St John Paul II Church, which was only officially opened in January this year.
Banksia Grove Parish Priest Fr Vinh Dong said the blaze was at one stage between one and a half to two kilometres away from the Church.
“On the night when the fires were burning, I was ringing parishioners who were evacuated, and offered for them to come to the Church if they needed,” Fr Vinh explained.
“That Wednesday, during our regular Holy Hour from 6.30 to 7.30pm, I invited all those present to spend some quiet time with the Lord, asking him to be with us and all those affected,” he continued.
Fr Vinh said he personally knew of many parishioners who had to evacuate their homes and properties.
Wanneroo Parish St Anthony Church was also less than 2kms away from the blaze.
Wanneroo Parish Priest Fr Peter Porteous OSM said he does not believe fires have come this close to the Church previously.
“We’ve had parishioners within the Sinagra and Tapping area that were evacuated, and I believe some experienced severe damage to their property, including the loss of sheds,” Fr Peter explained.
“We are very grateful to the Perth Catholic community for all the concern, and especially to the firefighters, voluntary or non-voluntary. for all their efforts in doing their best to protect the community,” he said.
In a Facebook post of Saturday 25 November, City of Wanneroo Mayor, Linda Aitken took a ride in a DFES chopper to survey the fire zone, with the resulting aerial photos showing that fire truly is a force of nature.
“The blaze has left nothing behind but a scorched, blackened landscape.”
More to come.
