Oakford bushfire downgraded to advice, Thomas Road reopened

A bushfire that tore through parts of Oakford and surrounding areas over the weekend has been downgraded to an advice.

There is no longer a threat to lives or homes but residents in Anketell, Oakford, Oldbury and Casuarina are being urged to stay on high alert.

The bushfire, which has burnt through 300 hectares, is now contained and under control.

Around 80 firefighters remain at the scene patrolling the area and mopping up.

All roads, including Thomas Road, have reopened.

The Arson Squad is investigating the cause of the blaze which has been deemed suspicious.

Anyone with information on dashcam footage is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

LATEST DFES ALERT:

Bushfire ADVICE for parts of ANKETELL, OAKFORD, OLDBURY and CASUARINA in the SHIRE OF SERPENTINE-JARRAHDALE and the CITY OF KWINANA

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire ADVICE is in place for people in an area bounded by Anketell Road, Kwinana Freeway, Mortimer Road, King Road and Thomas Road in parts of ANKETELL, OAKFORD, OLDBURY and CASUARINA in the SHIRE OF SERPENTINE-JARRAHDALE and the CITY OF KWINANA.

The alert level for this fire has been downgraded as firefighters have successfully strengthened and maintained containment lines overnight.

There is no threat to lives or homes.

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.

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.

Bushfire ALL CLEAR for parts of WANDI, OAKFORD, WELLARD, BERTRAM, CALISTA, MEDINA, POSTANS, KWINANA BEACH and HOPE VALLEY in the SHIRE OF SERPENTINE-JARRAHDALE and CITY OF KWINANA

ALERT LEVEL:

An ALL CLEAR advice is in place for people to the south of the Advice area bounded by Mortimer Road, King Road, Boomerang Road, Braddock Road, Kwinana Freeway and to the west bounded by Bertram Road, Sulphur Road, Summerton Road, Patterson Road, Rockingham Road, Anketell Road, Kwinana Freeway and to the north bounded by Rowley Road, Nicholson Road, Anketell Road and Kwinana Freeway in parts of WANDI, OAKFORD, WELLARD, BERTRAM, CALISTA, MEDINA, POSTANS, KWINANA BEACH and HOPE VALLEY in the SHIRE OF SERPENTINE-JARRAHDALE and CITY OF KWINANA.

The bushfire is no longer impacting the community in this area.

Firefighters will continue to monitor the area.

The danger has passed but you need to remain vigilant in case the situation changes.

WHAT TO DO:

Drive slowly and with caution due to smoke and emergency services personnel working in the area.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

The bushfire is stationary.

It is contained and under control.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:
Thomas Road has reopened however speed restrictions are in place within the incident area and motorists are advised to follow the direction of Variable Message Signs in the area.

The following roads have also reopened and Restricted Access Permits are no longer required to enter these areas:

Battersby Road

Tuart Road

Bombay Boulevard

King Road

Cumming Road

Motorists are asked to adhere to speed limits and be aware of fire and emergency service personnel working in the area. WA Police are on scene and supporting fire and emergency crews with traffic management.

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.

RESTRICTED ACCESS PERMITS:

Restricted Access Permits are no longer required to enter the area.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

Firefighters are patrolling the area, mopping up and monitoring the situation.

80 Career Fire and Rescue Service, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Parks and Wildlife Service, Bush Fire Service firefighters are attending.

SES volunteers are also assisting.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

The fire was reported at 11:13 AM on 16 January 2021.

Currently there has been 300 hectares burnt.

The cause of the fire is suspicious.

People are asked to report any suspicious behaviour to Police Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

DFES is managing the fire.