Mid West schools close ahead of extreme fire warning

A number of schools in the Mid West have been closed today ahead of extreme and catastrophic fire danger ratings over the region.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Education said three schools had been closed as pre-emptive action because of the risk to staff and students.

She said the three schools closed are Meekatharra District High School, Pia Wadjarri Remote Community School and Yalgoo Primary School and parents will be updated for today for the remainder of the week.

On Facebook the Pia Wadjarri Remote Community School wrote the closure was because of a catastrophic fire danger and parents with children at the school should keep them home.

“Families will be contacted tomorrow afternoon in regards to Tuesday attendance,” the post read.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services declared a total fire ban for much of the eastern part of the region yesterday due to an extreme risk of bushfires.