General

WA firefighters controlling fire that devastated 8000ha of unique forest

mingooland
2 min read
Check your BMI

The threat level for the Margaret River bushfire in WA has been downgraded to watch and act, four days after it was deliberately lit.

Firefighters have managed to contain the massive blaze, helped by cooler conditions and showers.

But 8000ha of unique forest has been destroyed, along with infrastructure around popular caves.

READ MORE: Major highway south-west of Perth remains closed due to heavy bushfire smoke

Fires in the Augusta-Margaret River region in Western Australia have been burning for at least four days, with many residents forced to evacuate.

Concerns remain for Perth father Jordan Marshall, who is still missing in the area since Wednesday.

A bushfire watch and act warning is in place for people bounded by Calgardup Brook to the north, Caves Road to the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park boundary to the north and east, Hamelin Bay Road West and the national park boundary to the south and the coastline to the west in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River.

People have been urged to leave now if the route is clear.

Strike Force Vulcan detectives believe the bushfire was deliberately lit near the area of Mammoth Cave in the northern corner of the Boranup Forest and are offering up to $50,000 for information leading to an arrest.

WA bushfires continues to burn as police suspect blaze started by arsonistshttps://twitter.com/dfes_wa/status/1469936062587756544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Inside the burnout zone, Conto campground shows just how quickly the bushfire emergency escalated.

Abandoned tents and picnics show how swiftly campers were forced to flee days ago as the out-of-control bushfire hurtled through the coastal site.

The Boranup area is still closed to residents due to the fire activity but emergency services say it's a miracle no homes or lives have been lost so far.

The last 24 hours has brought relief to firefighters and locals after a cool change in weather robbed the inferno of its intensity.

WA bushfires continues to burn as police suspect blaze started by arsonists

Authorities are doing what they can to secure containment lines as the tourist town starts assessing the damage.

Those with trips booked to WA over the holiday period are being encouraged to continue on with plans.

"Now is probably the time to support the region more than ever," Sharna Kearney from Margaret River and Busselton Tourism Association told 9News.

"There are lots of places which are unaffected by fire right throughout the region and we encourage people to honour those travel plans they have in place and come on down."

Source: 9News

Own a fractional luxury property

You Might Also Like

M
General

Obidient Movement, LP Optimistic About Peter Obi’s Victory In 2027

<div><img width="300" height="195" src="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Peter-Obi1-300x195.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="Peter Obi Consoles Orlu, Njaba Communities In Imo State" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Peter-Obi1-300x195.jpg 300w, https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Peter-Obi1.jpg 712w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div> <p>Dr. Tanko Yunusa, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, has expressed strong confidence that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, will secure victory in the 2027 presidential race. Yunusa attributed this optimism to Obi’s impressive track record and public support. Speaking in Onitsha, Anambra State, […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/09/obidient-movement-lp-optimistic-about-peter-obis-victory-in-2027/">Obidient Movement, LP Optimistic About Peter Obi’s Victory In 2027</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.naijanews.com">Naija News</a>.</p>

mingooland · · 2 min read
M
General

This quaint Christmas village near Montreal is literally straight out of a Hallmark movie

<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-woman-walks-along-one-of-almonte-s-quiet-quaint-streets-right-a-golden-retriever-sits-outside-a-charming-boutique-in-almont.jpg?id=54019581&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=96%2C0%2C96%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>Looking for a <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/travel/small-towns-near-montreal-road-trip">romantic road trip from Montreal</a>? This <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/small-town-near-montreal-road-trip-almonte" target="_self" rel="noopener">quaint and cozy Christmas village</a> is just two hours from the city and looks like it belongs in a Hallmark movie—for good reason!</p><p>With its old-time charm and picturesque streets, this <a href="https://almonte.com/movies/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">real-life Hallmark village</a> has been the backdrop for 17 Hallmark movies, including <em>Christmas By Design, A Christmas Stray, A Chance For Christmas, The Christmas Set Up</em>, and many more. </p><p>In fact, this small town has hosted so many holiday movies it's been dubbed the "Mini Hollywood North" and the "Hallmark capital" by <a href="https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/articles/romantic-holiday-getaways-ontario#:~:text=romantic%20holiday%20getaway.-,Almonte,than%20forty%20different%20Canadian%20makers.">Destination Ontario</a>. </p><p>This <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/upper-canada-village-alight-at-night-festival-near-montreal">cozy Christmas town</a> is located in Almonte, Ontario, around 2-3 hours from Montreal, depending on how you travel. If you want to road trip, it'll take you just under 3 hours to get there. You'll pass Ottawa en route, so you can stop for a coffee in the capital if you need a break from driving.</p><p>Arriving in Almonte, a former mill town, you're greeted by winding streets lined with heritage buildings dressed up in holiday decor. Once the season is in full swing, the village's streets are filled with Christmas trees and wreaths, wrapping you up in the holiday spirit.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXd1t07LJ6-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div> </div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXd1t07LJ6-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a> </p> </div> </blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Canada's version of the Mississippi River runs through town, catching the lights as you stroll along, giving everything a picture-perfect feel. With snow on the ground (fingers crossed!) and festive lights all around, it's hard not to feel like you've stepped into your own wintry movie scene.<br/></p><p>It's pretty obvious why this spot was selected for so many festive films and has even been described as "<a href="https://www.narcity.com/small-town-ontario-almonte-hallmark-capital">the Christmas capital of Ontario</a>." The <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/canadas-most-beautiful-village-fall-road-trip-montreal">quaint village</a> is packed with cozy shops, glowing streetlights, and a small-town vibe that really leans into winter magic. </p><p>A weekend trip here could start with a visit to <a href="https://almonte.com/destination/baker-bobs/">Baker Bob's</a>, a local favourite, which offers freshly baked treats—perfect for warming up cold hands while you browse. And if you're hungry, <a href="https://almonte.com/destination/joes-italian-kitchen/">Joe's Italian Kitchen</a> serves up hearty comfort food that hits the spot on a wintry day.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl9is4sPNCg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div> </div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl9is4sPNCg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a> </p> </div> </blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Almonte's annual <a href="https://almonte.com/destination/light-up-the-night/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Light Up The Night event</a> kicks off the holiday season on the first Friday of December. It's a popular event, with fireworks, Christmas lights and live music as part of an open-air concert. Described as one of Canada's "largest and most magical outdoor Christmas shows," this shouldn't be missed.</p><p>There's also the Almonte Christmas Night Parade, <a href="https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/explore-and-play/almonte-night-parade.aspx">described as</a> "a twinkly celebration with loads of sparkling lights and music."</p><p>During winter, the nearby Old Town Hall hosts the <a href="https://almonte.com/destination/folkus-concert-series/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Folkus Concert Series</a>, featuring Canadian bands and artists "up close."</p><p>If you're in the mood to browse, Almonte's local shops have handmade crafts and holiday decor that are perfect for pretty much everyone on your Christmas list. Tin Barn Market, for example, is packed with items that feel right out of a holiday magazine: home decor, candles, and handcrafted pieces.</p><p>If antiques are your thing, don't forget to check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Almonteantiquesandcollectibles/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Almonte Antique & Collectibles</a> for a one-of-a-kind gift for yourself or somebody else.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaQd3owpjim/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div> </div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaQd3owpjim/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a> </p> </div> </blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Of course, a visit to Almonte wouldn't be complete without seeing Mill Falls, a small but beautiful waterfall that runs through town. In winter, the falls can freeze over, turning into a landscape of snow and ice that's straight out of a winter postcard.</p><p>For the perfect holiday selfie, head to <a href="https://cedarhillchristmastreefarm.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm</a>.</p><h3>Almonte, Ontario</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJY4BY_rfLJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div> </div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJY4BY_rfLJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a> </p> </div> </blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Address: Almonte, Mississippi Mills, ON</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Although this spot has been <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/19/movies/holiday-movie-town-almonte-canada.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">depicted in movies as Vermont</a>, Milwaukee and even Alaska, Almonte is absolutely magical in its own right! With quaint streets, charming stores, cozy coffee spots and a whole host of festive events, this twinkling Christmas town is the perfect place to celebrate the season.</p><p><a href="https://almonte.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Almonte tourism website</a><br/></p><p><em>Before you get going, check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/responsible-travel-guidelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Responsible Travel Guide</a> so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.</em></p>

mingooland · · 4 min read