A BUSHFIRE emergency warning – leave now – is in place for people in the area bounded by Moore River, Millbank Rd and Cowalla Rd in Cowalla in the Shire of Gingin.
At 5.14pm the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said 200ha of land had been burnt.
The bushfire, which is still moving in a south easterly direction, is not contained or controlled.
There is a threat to lives and homes in Bidaminna Place and Millbank Rd are under threat from fire now.
At 4.14pm DFES said the bushfire, which had burnt 150ha of land, was moving in a south easterly direction.
Firefighters are actively fighting the fire.
The bushfire was reported at 1.23pm.
The DFES alert said people were asked to report any suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
What to do:
- If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place. This may be with family or friends away from the area.
- If it is safe to do so, leave in an northerly or southerly direction.
- Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger.
- Take your emergency kit with you.
- If you become stuck in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself with a woollen blanket, get onto the floor as the windows may break from the intense heat.
- Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.
- If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home.
- You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you before the flames reach you.
- Go to a room in your home where you can shelter from the approaching fire.
- The room should have running water, such as a kitchen or laundry, and have a clear exit so you can easily escape.
- If you are not at home, it is too dangerous to return.
DFES said a bushfire watch and act – leave now if you are not prepared – was in place for people in the area bounded by Cowalla Rd, Duringen Rd, Moore River National Park and Orange Springs Rd in Cowalla in the Shire of Gingin.
The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as fire behaviour is increasing.
There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and conditions are changing.
What to do:
- If your plan is to leave, leave now.
- Take your emergency kit with you. It should include an AM/FM radio that runs off batteries, a first aid kit, a woollen blanket, phones, protective clothing, medication and irreplaceable valuables.
- Decide where you will go and how you will get there. This could be with family or friends away from the fire.
- Keep your doors and windows closed to keep out smoke.
- Turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible to prevent embers entering your home.
- Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins and outdoor furniture away from your home.
- If you plan to stay and defend ensure you are mentally and physically prepared, with protective clothing and an independent water supply. Make final preparations now and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.
Road closures and conditions:
Some roads may be closed.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully.
Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by visiting the Main Roads Travel Map, calling 138 138 or by contacting your local government authority.
Animal welfare:
Owners or carers of livestock, pets and companion animals should activate their own animal welfare plan.
During a bushfire take advice from local government authorities to protect the lives of your animals while keeping yourself safe.
For more information on actions to take for each bushfire warning level, see the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website.
Keep up to date:
- Visit Emergency WA or download the Emergency WA app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Call 13 DFES (13 3337).
- Follow DFES on Facebook
- Listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR or news bulletins.
During a power outage, your home phone, computer or other electronic devices connected to the NBN will not work. Include a battery powered radio in your emergency kit.
Updates will be issued every hour unless the situation changes.
