Farmer Dies Battling West River Bushfire Near Ravensthorpe

A farmer has died while trying to contain a bushfire in West River on Western Australia's south coast.
The man, believed to be in his 60s and a local resident, was killed on Monday afternoon as emergency crews responded to two serious bushfires marking the start of summer.

Police say he had been using a front-end loader to create a firebreak on his property near Ravensthorpe when the flames overtook his vehicle. He died at the scene.

WA Premier Roger Cook described the loss as "devastating", saying the tragedy would deeply affect the "tight-knit community".

"A fire is traumatic for any community, but when paired with the loss of life it becomes absolutely heartbreaking," he said. "Our hearts go out to this gentleman's family and loved ones."

Fire crews remained on the ground into Tuesday, continuing to battle the fast-moving blaze amid several active warnings for the region.

Community in Mourning

Local MP Peter Rundle offered his condolences, saying the town had already been facing "tough times", with recent mine closures and the shutdown of the local store placing strain on residents.

"People in regional communities always rally around one another," he said. "First and foremost, they'll work to bring the fire under control, and then they'll wrap their arms around the family affected."

The Shire of Ravensthorpe also expressed its grief, saying it was "devastated" by the tragic loss.

The West River and West Fitzgerald fire was declared an emergency shortly after 3pm on Monday, generating ember attacks and challenging conditions for firefighters. At its height, around 100 personnel and several water-bombing aircraft were deployed, but strong northerly winds made containment difficult.

The blaze has so far burned roughly 4,200 hectares in an area dominated by large-scale grain farms, which are currently in the middle of harvest.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has warned motorists of heavy smoke across South Coast Highway, the key route between Albany and Esperance.

Police say the cause of the fire is not yet known but is not considered suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner as investigations into the farmer's death continue.