Firefighters on scene of Oakford blaze

Firefighters are currently battling an out-of-control bushfire in Oakford in the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale.

A bushfire emergency warning is in place for people in an area bounded by Spears Drive, Old Dairy Court, Peters Way, Kargotich Road, Abernethy Road and Nicholson Road.

There is a threat to lives and homes.

Residents in the warning area are being urged to evacuate.

LATEST DFES ALERT:

A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING is in place for people in an area bounded by Spears Drive,Old Dairy Court, Peters Way, Kargotich Road, Abernethy Road and Nicholson Road in parts of OAKFORD in the SHIRE OF SERPENTINE-JARRAHDALE.

• You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.

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 BEHAVIOUR:

• The bushfire is moving in a north easterly direction.

• It is not contained or controlled.

SAFEST ROUTE:
Leave in a northerly direction .

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:

Roads have not been closed.

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.

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.

COVID-19
If you are told to leave in an emergency, don't stay at home even if you have COVID-19 or COVID-like symptoms.

You may stay at a friend or relative's house, an evacuation centre or other suitable accommodation.

If you have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19, take these steps to prevent spreading the illness if you can:

• wear a mask around other people

• wash your hands regularly

• stay and sleep in a separate room

• maintain physical distancing.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

• The fire was reported at 11:18 AM on 5 April 2023.

• The Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale is managing the fire.