An Ellenbrook father and volunteer firefighter recounted a harrowing experience Thursday, forced to shelter inside his home as a bushfire approached.
Family Evacuated Before Flames Arrived
Matt Beilken successfully evacuated his two young children to a neighbor’s house before flames reached his property. The rapid advance of the fire then compelled him to cease firefighting efforts and seek shelter indoors. According to Mr. Beilken, the fire initially moved in a northerly direction before a wind change sent it directly toward his home.
“I had to seek shelter at one stage because the flames were coming right up to my garage,” Mr. Beilken said. He described quickly moving his children and the family dog to safety with the help of a neighbor.
Defending His Home
Once his children were safe, Mr. Beilken found himself “in a spot of bother” and transitioned to defending his property. He used a hose to wet the edges of his carport, hoping the fire would quickly pass. He explained, “I was pretty much straight into defence mode… hoping that it was going to blow over quickly.”
Mr. Beilken, a volunteer firefighter, believes his pre-existing bushfire plan may have been instrumental in saving his home. He noted this was the first time he had ever had to defend a house from a fire – and that it was his own. He had recently returned from fighting the Boddington bushfire just days prior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Mr. Beilken to shelter indoors?
Mr. Beilken was forced to shelter indoors after evacuating his children because flames reached his property and prevented him from continuing firefighting efforts.
How did a change in wind direction impact the situation?
A wind change caused the fire to shift direction and move directly toward Mr. Beilken’s home, escalating the danger.
Was Mr. Beilken prepared for a bushfire?
Mr. Beilken stated that he had a bushfire plan in place, which he believes potentially saved his home.
Given the increasing frequency of bushfire emergencies, what steps can homeowners in bushfire-prone areas take to better prepare themselves and their families?