Source: Emergency WA

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people bounded by Calgardup Brook to the north, Caves Road to the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park boundary to the north and east, Grace Road and Boranup Drive to the south and the coastline to the west in the SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER.

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.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR

The bushfire is stationary.

It is contained and under control.

There may still be pockets burning within the Watch and Act area.

There will be smoke in and around the Boranup Settlement.

RESTRICTED ACCESS PERMITS

Access to the Boranup Settlement requires a Restricted Access Permit.

A restricted access permit issuing unit has been established at the Incident Control Centre at Lower Western Oval off Wallcliffe Road. Please bring along valid identity documents including a driver's licence or passport, and proof of the affected address.

DFES will advise when Boranup Settlement is open and permits are no longer required.

Due to the ever changing conditions, the issuing of restricted access permits may temporarily stop and your patience is appreciated.

For more information about restricted access permits visit the Restricted Access Permits section of the DFES website or click here.

SAFER PLACE

As at 8am Sunday 12 December the Department of Communities evacuation centre at Margaret River Recreation Centre is closed.

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

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:

Caves Road between Calgardup Road and Boranup Drive (Redgate Road at Caves Road intersection west is open to local traffic only). Caves Road between Redgate Road and Bushby Road is likely to remain closed for two weeks.

Bussell Highway between Forest Grove Road and Karridale is now open.

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.

POWER

Western Power has advised power is restored to all but one property in the Boranup community.

For further details visit www.westernpower.com.au.

SCHOOLS

Karridale Primary School is now within the ALL CLEAR area. The Department of Education will undergo some final checks and confirmation of the school reopening on Monday 13 December will be communicated on Sunday 12 December.

The Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia has advised the Margaret River Independent School will reopen on Monday 13 December 2021. For more information contact your school directly.

PARK CLOSURES

The following sites in the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park are closed:

Conto campground;

Conto coastal day use site;

Point Road campsite;

Boranup campsite;

Calgardup Cave;

Giants Cave;

Mammoth Cave;

Caveworks and Lake Cave;

Boranup Drive;

Redgate Beach;

Jarrahdene Campground;

Redgate north carpark and;

Cape to Cape Track.

Visit the Park Alerts System for closures https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au/

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING

Firefighters are on site patrolling the area and mopping up.

Firefighters are inspecting roads and tracks within the fire area today.

EXTRA INFORMATION

The fire was reported at 09:49 AM on 8 December 2021.

Currently there has been 7,800 hectares burnt.

The cause of the fire is suspicious.

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

DFES is managing the fire.



DFES Bushfires