Written by Swikblog News Desk
Published: 1 December 2025
An out-of-control bushfire north of Geraldton has sparked an emergency warning for several coastal suburbs, with authorities telling residents to “leave now” as flames and thick smoke bear down on homes in Western Australia’s Mid West.
Emergency warning for Bluff Point, Spalding and Sunset Beach
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued a Bushfire Emergency Warning for people in Bluff Point, Spalding and Sunset Beach, bounded by Crowtherton Street, Chapman Valley Road, the coastline and the Spalding Park golf course. Authorities say there is a direct threat to lives and homes as the Geraldton fire continues to burn in hot, windy conditions.
Residents have been told that it is too dangerous to stay and defend if they are not fully prepared. Those north of the Chapman River are being urged to head north, while those to the south are advised to travel south to safer areas if roads remain open. Anyone planning to leave has been warned not to wait until flames are visible over their street.
An evacuation centre has been opened in the city, with local community halls and recreation centres prepared to take people fleeing the fire zone. Emergency services have also asked people already outside the warning area not to attempt to return to their homes until conditions ease.
Power cuts, thick smoke and a long day for firefighters
The blaze has cut power to thousands of homes and businesses across north Geraldton, with outages reported in suburbs including Spalding, Bluff Point and Glenfield. Residents have described an eerie morning of darkened skies, air choked with smoke and the constant sound of water bombers overhead as crews battle to contain the fire front on multiple flanks.
More than a hundred firefighters, supported by heavy machinery and aerial support, are working through the day to strengthen containment lines. Officials say fast-changing winds and dry coastal scrub are driving unpredictable fire behaviour, making it difficult to predict exactly which streets will be hit next.
Geraldton on the frontline of a dangerous WA fire season
The Geraldton emergency comes after forecasters warned of a heightened bushfire risk across Western Australia this spring and summer, driven by hot temperatures, low soil moisture and persistent winds. Locals say recent heat has left gardens and surrounding bushland tinder-dry, raising fears that any ember attack could quickly ignite roofs, fences and sheds.
Authorities are urging people across the Mid West to review their bushfire survival plans, clear gutters and yards, and know in advance whether they will stay and defend or leave early on days of extreme fire danger. They are also encouraging residents to keep mobile phones charged and battery-powered radios on hand in case further power cuts hit the city.
For live maps, updated alert levels and the latest Geraldton bushfire warnings, residents are being told to follow the official updates on Emergency WA and local ABC radio.
Swikblog will continue to track conditions as the Geraldton bushfire develops. For readers following wider breaking coverage and live sport reaction, you can also see our recent feature on a dramatic London derby here .
