Bushfire watch and act, eastern Nambeelup

A bushfire watch and act has been issued for the eastern part of Nambeelup.

It is in the area bounded by the proposed Readheads Road to the North, Hopeland Road to the East, Lakes Road to the South, and Nambeelup Road to the West.

The alert level for this fire has been downgraded as the fire is currently stationary.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and the conditions could change.

The fire started near the intersection of Yangedi Road and Lakes Road in Nambeelup.

WHAT TO DO:

If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.

Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.

If you plan to stay and actively defend, don?t 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.

If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

A bushfire advice has also been issued for the western part of Nambeelup and the southern part of Stake Hill.

There is a lot of smoke in the area.

Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

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.

If you cannot see clearly, pull over, keep your headlights and hazard lights on, and wait until the smoke clears.

If you have a respiratory condition and you have been affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

The bushfire is moving in a north westerly direction.

It is contained and under control.

Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home. Spot fires are starting up to 100 metres ahead of the fire.

SAFER PLACE:

The Shire of Murray have opened up a temporary evacuation centre at Murray Aquatic & Leisure Centre at 16 Camp Road, Pinjarra, WA, 6208.

Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.

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.

SAFEST ROUTE:
People within the Watch and Act Warning area are encouraged to leave in a westerly direction on to Lakes Road or in a northerly direction on to Yangedi Road.

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:

Lakes Road between Patterson Road and Yangedi 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 www.mainroads.wa.gov.au OR SHIRE OF MURRAY.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

Firefighters are on the scene, actively fighting the fire and establishing containment lines.

80 Career Fire and Rescue Service, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service, Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services and Shire of Murray firefighters are attending.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

The fire was reported at 08:06 PM on 27 November 2019.

Currently there has been 65 hectares burnt.

The cause of the fire is a Vehicle Fire.

DFES is managing the fire.

KEEP UP TO DATE:

Visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au or call 13 DFES (13 3337).