THE Cowalla bushfire, which has burnt 190ha, is moving fast in a north easterly direction, according to DFES in a 3.29pm alert.
The Shire of Gingin is managing the bushfire the cause of which is unknown.
At 1.50pm DFES said an emergency warning was in place for people in the area bounded by Baramba Rd, north of Moore River, west of Nabaroo Rd, north of Bidaminna Pl and east of Cowalla Rd in Cowalla in the Shire of Gingin.
About 1pm the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said there were 37 crews including aerial resources fighting the bushfire, which was reported at 12.03pm today Tuesday, December 31.
DFES said people were in danger and needed to act immediately to survive as there was a threat to lives and homes.
The bushfire, which out of control and unpredictable, is moving fast in a north easterly direction.
Cowalla Rd is closed between Nabaroo Rd and Millbank Rd.
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.
- Leave in a westerly direction if you are on Nabaroo Rd, and in an easterly direction if you are on Orange Springs Rd, if safe to do so.
- 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.
Keep up to date:
- Visit Emergency WA, 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.
