Bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING for eastern part of PORT KENNEDY in the CITY OF ROCKINGHAM

A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING is in place for people in an area bound by WARNBRO SOUND AVENUE to the west, ENNIS AVENUE to the east, SAN SEBASTIAN BOULEVARD to the north and PORT KENNEDY DRIVE to the south in PORT KENNEDY in the CITY OF ROCKINGHAM.

ALERT LEVEL:

•    You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.
•    Properties in BAKEWELL DRIVE and LA ESTRADA WAY are under threat by fire now.
•    The fire started near the intersection of BAKEWELL DR and PAXTON WAY in PORT KENNEDY.

WHAT TO DO: 
•    If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.
•    Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.
•    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.
•    Go to a room in your home away from the fire front and make sure you can easily escape.
•    Choose a room with two exits and water such as a kitchen or laundry.
•    If you are not at home, it’s too dangerous to return.

COVID-19 
If you are told to leave in an emergency, don't stay at home even if you have COVID-19 or COVID-like symptoms.

You may stay at a friend or relative's house, an evacuation centre or other suitable accommodation.

If you have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19, take these steps to prevent spreading the illness if you can:
•    wear a mask around other people
•    wash your hands regularly
•    stay and sleep in a separate room
•    maintain physical distancing.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:
•    The bushfire is moving fast in a north easterly direction.
•    It is not contained or controlled.
 

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS: 
Avoid the area and be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.
A number of roads have been closed including:
Bakewell Drive between Port Kennedy Drive and Warnbro Sound Avenue.
Port Kennedy Drive between Bakewell Drive and Ennis Avenue.
Sevilla Terrace.
La Estrad Way.
Merida Loop.
Burgos Lane.
Toledo Circuit.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke. 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, please see the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website. 

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING: 
•    Firefighters are actively fighting the fire.
•    55 Career Fire and Rescue Service, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services firefighters are attending.
•    Aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.

DRONES AND AERIAL SUPPORT: 
Never fly a drone, model aircraft or multirotor near bushfires. Doing so poses a major safety risk to firefighting personnel in the air and on the ground, and forces aircraft to be grounded or redirected, hindering firefighting efforts. 

EXTRA INFORMATION: 
•    The fire was reported at 09:32 AM on 29 December 2022.

For more information see: https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au/#