UPDATE: Fire extinguished, Kwinana Freeway reopened, Emergency warning downgraded to Watch & Act

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for parts of AUBIN GROVE, HAMMOND PARK and WATTLEUP in the CITY OF COCKBURN.

Keep up to date at: https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au/#

The fire started near Rowley Road around 11.18am on Wednesday.

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for parts of AUBIN GROVE, HAMMOND PARK and WATTLEUP in the CITY OF COCKBURN

ALERT LEVEL: 

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people bound by Botany Park, Kwinana Freeway, Rowley Road, Frankland Park and Canary Drive in parts of AUBIN GROVE and HAMMOND PARK in the CITY OF COCKBURN.

•    There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and the conditions are changing.
•    The fire started near the intersection of KWINANA FWY and ROWLEY RD in AUBIN GROVE.

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.
•    Keep doors and windows closed 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.

SAFEST ROUTE: 
People in the area should leave west along Russel Road or north along Hammond Road if it is safe to do so. 

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS: 
Avoid the area and be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.
•    Kwinana Freeway has reopened in both directions between Russell Road and Rowley 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 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 on the scene, actively fighting the fire.
•    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 11:18 AM on 22 November 2023. 
•    Currently there has been 13.5 hectares burnt.