Residents in Augusta in the state's South West have been told to flee as a bushfire sparked on Monday afternoon is threatening lives and homes.
The blaze, which is moving fast in a northerly direction, started near Bussell Highway and Westbay Retreat Caravan Park, and is now burning on both sides of the highway.
The danger zone is for areas bounded by Bussell Highway, Caves Road, Green Hill Road, Jane Road and Palmdale Avenue Road.
Homes between West Bay Creek Road and Challis Road, including O'Halloran Place are under immediate threat by the fire.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued an emergency warning and made it clear it was too dangerous for locals to return to their homes.
#Augusta #Bushfire EVACUATION CENTRES. Margaret River Cultural Centre on Wallcliffe Road open for people located north of the fire.
Augusta Centennial Hall on Allnut Terrace open for people located south of the fire. More information: https://t.co/v9GYWWrJRJ #wafires??? DFES (@dfes_wa) January 29, 2018
A bushfire watch and act has been issued for people bounded west of Bussell Highway and Caves Road, south of Chapman Road and Hamelin Bay Road west, east of the coastline and north of Hillview Road in Augusta.
A watch and act alert is also in place for people east of Bussell Highway, south Fisher Road, west of the Blackwood River and north of Challis Road.
There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing. People will need to get ready to defend their homes and make final preparations now. DFES urges people not to return home as conditions in the area are dangerous.
Meanwhile a bushfire advice has been issued for people in areas including Karridale, Kudardup, Molloy Island, East Augusta and surrounding areas.
While there is no threat to lives and homes people need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
Firefighters are actively fighting the fire and defending property with aerial support due to return at first light on Tuesday if needed.
An emergency broadcast from DFES told locals and tourists to leave the area immediately.
The fire was reported at 1:15pm on Monday and has razed about 80 hectares of bushland. The cause of the blaze is yet unknown.
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.
- If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.
- If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it.
- If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.
- Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
The danger zone. Photo: DFES
SAFER PLACE:
- Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.
- Margaret River Cultural Centre is open for people located in areas north of the fire. The centre is located at 51 Wallcliffe Rd, Margaret River.
- Augusta Centennial Hall is open for people located in areas south of the fire. The hall is located at 62 Allnut Terrace, Augusta.
- Be aware that only essential items can be taken into these centres. Alcohol and pets, except guide and assistance dogs, are prohibited.
- If evacuating with cats and dogs, Bridgetown Boarding Kennels will board them at no charge. ID is required.
PLACE OF LAST RESORT:
- If you cannot shelter in your home, a safer place you can go to is a local open space, beach, shed, swimming pool, dam or building.
- This may give you some protection from the effects of a bushfire.
- Take water, woollen blankets and wear protective clothing.
SAFEST ROUTE:
- If you are in an area south of the fire and plan to leave, you need to go Augusta.
- If you are north of the fire and plan to leave, you need to go to Margaret River.
ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:
- Avoid the area and be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.
- Bussell Highway is closed between Chapman Road and Donovan Street.
- Challis Road is closed between West Bay Creek Road and Bussell Highway.
- Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke.
COMMUNITY MEETING:
A community meeting will be held at Augusta Centennial Hall, 62 Allnut Terrace, Augusta, at 7:30pm tonight.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
Register with Register.Find.Reunite. to let your family and loved ones know you're OK via www.redcross.org.au from any computer or mobile device or in person at the evacuation centre.
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/
