Bushfire watch and act, southern Byford

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people for people in the area bounded by Nettelton Road to the North, Barge Drive to the East, Kiln Road to the South and Soldiers Road to the West in the southern part of BYFORD in SHIRE OF SERPENTINE-JARRAHDALE.

The alert level for this fire has been upgraded due to an increase in fire activity.

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 MICHAEL ST and DOUGALL ST in BYFORD.

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 southern parts of BYFORD and the north eastern parts of CARDUP in SHIRE OF SERPENTINE-JARRAHDALE

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire ADVICE is in place for people in the area bounded by Mead Road to the North, Soldiers Road East, Redcliffe Road to the South and Warrington Road to the West in the southern part of BYFORD and north eastern parts of CARDUP in SHIRE OF SERPENTINE-JARRAHDALE.

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.

The fire started near the intersection of MICHAEL ST and DOUGALL ST in BYFORD.

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 stationary.

It is contained but not controlled.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:
Roads are no longer closed.

South Western Highway between Nettleton Road and Wilaring Street has been reopened.

Cardup Siding Road between South Western Highway and Soldiers Road has been reopened.

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 the SHIRE OF SERPENTINE-JARRAHDALE.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

Firefighters are on the scene, actively fighting the fire and continuing to build and strengthen containment lines.

55 Career Fire and Rescue Service and Bush Fire Service firefighters are attending.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

The fire was reported at 01:41 AM on 21 February 2020.

KEEP UP TO DATE:

Visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dfes_wa, Facebook: https://facebook.com/dfeswa.