More than 480 customers are without power in the Esperance region due to the bushfires which remain uncontrolled and uncontained.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives or been injured as a result of these fires.
Horizon Power crews are unable to inspect the electrical assets until an unclear is given by DFES and this is not expected to be any time soon as all efforts remain focused on controlling these fires. Fire affected areas are Grass Patch, Salmon Gums and surrounding areas.
We expect the damage to our assets in the bush fire affected areas to be significant and it could be several days before we can restore power to affected areas.
Horizon Power is working with DFES to get a helicopter in the air soon to conduct an aerial patrol of the infrastructure so we can provide more information to our customers.
If there is no damage to infrastructure in certain areas, Horizon Power will be able to restore power relatively quickly to those customers once the all clear is given and it is safe to do so.
If the wind changes and the fires move direction, we may be required to turn off power to customers in those areas. We are working very closely with emergency services to ensure the safety of our customers, our staff and the community.
Horizon Power crews are on standby in other regions to assist our Esperance crews and Western Power has already offered to support Horizon Power in the restoration effort once that work can begin.
Please stay clear of all electrical assets, in particular fallen powerlines. Call 13 23 51 to report a fault.
A community meeting will be held at 11am today at the Esperance Civic Centre.
For more information, please contact the medialine on 1800 799 745