Western Areas has reported a threatening bush fire in the area of the Forrestania nickel operation in Western Australia.

The bush fire, which was started by a lightning strike on the afternoon of December 4, has led to the temporary suspension of Forrestania operations.

The fire was still burning as of yesterday, but Western Areas stated the immediate fire risk to Western Areas’ workers and assets have passed.

All workers are safe and fully accounted for, and Western Areas has activated Forrestania’s fire safety protocols for workers amid very limited communications in and out of Forrestania.

“No mining or infrastructure assets have sustained damage and normal operations are expected to resume imminently,” Western Area stated.

“Presently the company does not expect any impact to nickel production or cost guidance as a result of the incident.

“The company would like to extend its thanks to the various firefighting teams that have assisted in keeping our people safe.”

The fire has also impacted mining junior Hannans at its Forrestania nickel project.

All Hannans employees and contractors were safe, have departed the exploration camp and were out of danger and roads in and out of its Forrestania project were closed.

Hannans will suspend its exploration activities until the fire is extinguished, roads are reopened and authorities declare it safe to return.