Firefighters battle East Rockingham, Kwinana bushfire

Firefighters have gained the upper hand on a bushfire burning in East Rockingham and Kwinana.

The fire started near the intersection of Patterson Road and Charles Street around 3.18pm on Monday.

The alert level has since been downgraded to an advice.

LATEST ALERT FROM DFES:

Bushfire ADVICE for EAST ROCKINGHAM and KWINANA BEACH in CITY OF ROCKINGHAM

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for people bounded by Patterson Road, Mandurah Road, Kwinana Beach Road and Dixon Road in EAST ROCKINGHAM and KWINANA in the CITY OF ROCKINGHAM.

• The alert level for this fire has been downgraded as the fire is now under control.
• There is no threat to lives or homes.
• 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 PATTERSON RD and CHARLES ST in EAST ROCKINGHAM
• There is no longer any running fire..

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.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:

There is a reduced speed limit on Patterson 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 CITY OF ROCKINGHAM.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

• Firefighters are on the scene, strengthening containment lines.
• 35 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service, Career Fire and Rescue Service, Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services firefighters are attending.

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 03:18 PM on 11 November 2019.
• Currently there has been 2.5 hectares hectares burnt.
• The cause of the fire is deliberately lit.
• DFES is managing the fire.