Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Emergency Warning - west of Caves Road between Spencer Road and Johnson Road including Quininup Road, Tilly Road and parts of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park in parts of YALLINGUP and WILYABRUP in the CITY OF BUSSELTON
The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES)

Please note this alert has now been upgraded to an EMERGENCY WARNING due to an increase in fire behaviour.

Time of issue: 02:48 PM
Date of issue: 10 December 2021

Bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING for west of Caves Road between Spencer Road and Johnson Road including Quininup Road, Tilly Road and parts of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park in parts of YALLINGUP and WILYABRUP in the CITY OF BUSSELTON

A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING is in place for people west of Caves Road between Spencer Road and Johnson Road including Quininup Road, Tilly Road and parts of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park in parts of YALLINGUP and WILYABRUP in the CITY OF BUSSELTON.

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

The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as fire activity has increased..

People living on the ocean side of Tilly Road are at risk and need to evacuate now.

The fire started near Tilly Road.

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 WATCH AND ACT for west of Caves Road between Spencer Road and Johnson Road including Quininup Road, Tilly Road and parts of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park in parts of YALLINGUP and WILYABRUP in the CITY OF BUSSELTON

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people west of Caves Road between Spencer Road and Johnson Road including Quininup Road, Tilly Road and parts of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park in parts of YALLINGUP and WILYABRUP in the CITY OF BUSSELTON.

The fire started near the intersection of TILLY RD and QUININUP ROAD.

WHAT TO DO

If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.

If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.

If you plan to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. You need to have access to an independent water supply, and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.

Keep doors and windows closed and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

COVID-19

If you are in lockdown or any form of isolation or quarantine for COVID-19, you must do whatever you need to protect your life.

If you have been personally directed to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19 and have been advised to leave the area:

Find suitable alternative premises and wear a mask. Those in the affected area are permitted to go to suitable alternative premises without putting others at risk.

Alternative suitable premises may include a friend or relative's house, provided they have their own bedroom, preferably own bathroom, and there are not too many people in the house.

If you cannot return to your quarantine location within one hour, telephone WA Police on 131 444 to advise them you have had to leave due to an emergency.

Regardless of your location, continue to follow COVID-19 precautions and maintain appropriate physical distancing.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR

The bushfire is moving slowly in a easterly direction.

It is not contained or controlled.

Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home.

SAFER PLACE

Anyone requiring immediate assistance can contact the Communities Disaster Response Hotline on 1800 032 965.

SAFEST ROUTE

Exit via Tilly Road and Quininup Road onto Caves Road.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.
A number of roads have been closed including:

Quininup Road

Tilly Road

Caves Road (between Wyadup Road and Johnson Road)

Abbey Farm Road (between Caves Road and Puzey 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 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 an emergency take advice from Local Government Authorities to protect the lives of your animals and yourself. For more information see the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING

Firefighters are on the scene, actively fighting the fire.

75 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Parks and Wildlife Service and Local Government firefighters are attending.

Aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.

State Emergency Services and WA Police are also in attendance.

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 09:00 AM on 9 December 2021.

Currently there has been 60 hectares burnt.

City of Busselton is managing the fire.

KEEP UP TO DATE

Visit Emergency WA, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter, Facebook, listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR, or news bulletins.

During a power outage, your home phone, computer or other electronic devices connected to the NBN will not work. Include a battery powered radio in your emergency kit.

Updates will be issued every hour unless the situation changes.

DFES Bushfires