UPDATE: 3.00PM: The alert level for this fire has been downgraded due to rainfall in the area and effective suppression actions.
There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is still approaching in the area.
You need to leave or get ready to actively defend.
The fire started in Vasse Plantation
It is burning in a southerly direction towards Osmington Road and Mowen Road.
UPDATE 11.15AM: An evacuation centre has been opened at the Geographe Leisure Centre
Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.
Be aware that only essential items can be taken into these centres. Alcohol and pets, except guide and assistance dogs, are prohibited.
The Munda Biddi Trail is closed between Nannup townsite and the intersection of Claymore and Lidel Road.
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.
EARLIER:
Emergency WA has issued a bushfire emergency warning to people in the vicinity of Vasse Plantation, 22km south-west of Busselton in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.
It is burning in a southerly direction towards Osmington Road and Mowen Road.
People in the area are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.
The fire started near Canebrake Road in Vasse Plantation.
It is out of control and unpredictable.
People should leave the area in a westerly direction towards Margaret River.
Multiple forest tracks are closed.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke.
The cause of the fire is an escape from pine harvest debris burns. The most recent ignition was 22 May 2019..
Parks and Wildlife Service is managing the fire.
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.
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/, listen to ABC Local Radio or listen to news bulletins.
Updates will be issued every hour unless the situation changes.