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West Coast Eagles player Tim Kelly praises firefighters who saved Gosnells home from bushfire

Amber Johnston7NEWS
VideoEagles star Tim Kelly almost lost his Gosnells home in a bushfire emergency earlier this month.

In Perth’s scorching bushfire season, having a well thought-out emergency plan can mean the difference between life and death.

It’s a lesson West Coast Eagle Tim Kelly almost learnt the hard way when fire tore through bush frighteningly close to his Gosnells home this month.

A fortnight later, the danger has passed but his home is like an island surrounded by a sea of charred bush. Kelly said despite some bushfire planning — including having clean gutters and sprinklers on the roof — the ferocity of the fire caught him and his young family unaware.

“We sort of just, gone on the spot and oh my God, there’s a fire coming!” Kelly told 7NEWS.

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Caitlin Miller, partner of Tim Kelly, posts about the fire in Gosnells.
Camera IconCaitlin Miller, partner of Tim Kelly, posts about the fire in Gosnells. Credit: Caitlin Miller/Instagram

“And what are we going to do? Stress levels were going through the roof,” he said.

Kelly today met some of the firefighters who helped save his home to say thank you and get some advice on what to do better next time.

DFES Deputy Commissioner Craig Waters said it was important for people in fire-prone areas to plan an escape route, keeping in mind their access routes could be cut off.

“The three things that are pivotal for your plan are when are you going to leave, what you’re going to take, and where you’re going to go to,” he said.

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