On 23 November 2011, a fire broke containment lines from a prescribed burn in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, forcing hundreds to evacuate their homes.
Approximately 300 people were expected to register at the Margaret River Cultural Centre. Residents were forced to evacuate over a three-day period, with some residents whose home remained intact unable to return home due to pollution from asbestos and other contaminants spread by the fire.
The Margaret River fire was brought under control on 26 November. In total, 3400 ha, 32 houses, five sheds, nine chalets and one shop were destroyed by the fire in the coastal communities of Prevelly, Redgate and Gnarabup.
A new fire started at Nannup on 2 December 2011, also from a prescribed burn that broke containment lines. It threatened more than 200 homes and forced evacuations in Augusta and Molloy Island. Approximately 55,150 ha were burnt and a small amount of property was lost.
Many fires were ablaze in Western Australia during this period; on 24 November there were a total of 13 fire fronts burning.
Western Australia's Premier declared the fires an 'Eligible Natural Disaster' for the purposes of the Western Australia Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, with funding to be provided from FESA and the Commonwealth Government.
The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the preliminary 2011 damage at $53.5 million.