Bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING for parts of BALDIVIS, western parts of MARDELLA and northern parts of HOPELAND, WELLARD, CASUARINA and OLDBURY in the CITY OF ROCKINGHAM and SHIRE OF SERPENTINE-JARRAHDALE

A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING has been issued for people bounded by Kwinana Freeway to the west, Orton Road to the north, Kargotich Road and Rapids Road to the east and Karnup Road to the south in parts of BALDIVIS, western parts of MARDELLA and northern parts of HOPELAND, WELLARD, CASUARINA and OLDBURY in the CITY OF ROCKINGHAM and SHIRE OF SERPENTINE-JARRAHDALE.

• You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.
• Homes in Mundijong Road are under threat by fire now.
• The fire started near the intersection of KARNUP RD and YOUNG RD in BALDIVIS.

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.

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for parts of BALDIVIS, CASUARINA and OAKFORD in the CITY OF ROCKINGHAM and SHIRE OF SERPENTINE-JARRAHDALE

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people Orton Road, Kargotich Road, Thomas Road, Kwinana Freeway as well as Mortimer Road, Johnson Road, Baldivis Road, Karnup Road and Kwinana Freeway in parts of BALDIVIS, CASUARINA and OAKFORD in the CITY OF ROCKINGHAM, CITY OF KWINANA and SHIRE OF SERPENTINE-JARRAHDALE.

• There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing.
• The fire started near the intersection of KARNUP RD and YOUNG RD in BALDIVIS.

WHAT TO DO:

• If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.
• If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.
• If you plan to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. You need to have access to an independent water supply, and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.
• At all times close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

Bushfire ADVICE for north of Thomas of Road and south of Armadale Road in the CITY OF COCKBURN, CITY OF KWINANA and SHIRE OF SERPENTINE-JARRAHDALE

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for people north of Thomas of Road and south of Armadale Road in the CITY OF COCKBURN, CITY OF KWINANA and SHIRE OF SERPENTINE-JARRAHDALE.

• There is no threat to lives or homes.
• Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
• The fire started near the intersection of KARNUP RD and YOUNG RD in BALDIVIS.

WHAT TO DO:

• Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
• Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
• Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.
• Read through your bushfire survival plan.
• If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.

If driving

• Be extremely careful when driving through the area.
• Turn your headlights on and drive slowly.
• Watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

• The bushfire is moving fast in a north easterly direction.
• It is out of control and unpredictable.

SAFER PLACE:

• Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.
• The Department for Child Protection and Family Support has set up a temporary evacuation centre at Mike Barnett Sports Complex, Dixon Rd &, Goddard St, Rockingham WA 6168.  
• Be aware that only essential items can be taken into these centres. Alcohol and pets, except guide and assistance dogs, are prohibited.

PLACE OF LAST RESORT:

• If you cannot shelter in your home, a safer place you can go to is a local open space, beach, shed, swimming pool, dam or building.
• This may give you some protection from the effects of a bushfire.
• Take water, woollen blankets and wear protective clothing.

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:

• Karnup Road from Kwinana Freeway to River Road
• Folly Road
• Young Road
• Doghill Road
• Horsfall Road

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 calling 138 138 or visiting travelmap.mainroads.wa.gov.au or by contacting your local Shire.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

• Firefighters are on the scene, actively fighting the fire.
• 150 Career Fire and Rescue Service, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service, Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services, Parks and Wildlife Service firefighters are attending.
• Aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.

• Local Government and WA Police are also in attendance.

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 12:02 PM on 9 January 2020.
• Currently there has been 313 hectares burnt.
• DFES is managing the fire.