Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Watch and Act - in the area bounded by Muir Highway to the north, Deeside Coast Road to the east, Kin Kin Rd to the south and Wheatley Coast Road to the west
The following alert has been issued by the Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

This alert has been upgraded to a Watch and Act. Please note changes throughout the alert.

Time of issue: 07:27 PM
Date of issue: 02 February 2022

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for south of Topanup State Forest in the SHIRE OF MANJIMUP

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people in the area bounded by Muir Highway to the north, Deeside Coast Road to the east, Kin Kin Rd to the south and Wheatley Coast Road to the west .

The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as the situation has escalated.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing.

It is burning in a west south-westerly direction.

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 ADVICE for Quininup, Topanup State Forest and Tone State Forest in the SHIRE OF MANJIMUP

A bushfire ADVICE is in place for people in the area north of Muir Highway in the vicinity of the Topanup State Forest and people in the area bounded by Muir Highway to the north, Peppermint Gorve in west, South Western Highway and Sutton Road to south and Deeside Coast Road to the east in the SHIRE OF MANJIMUP.

There is no threat to lives or homes.

There is a lot of smoke in the area.

Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

The fire is moving in a west south-westerly direction.

WHAT TO DO

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.

If you cannot see clearly, pull over, keep your headlights and hazard lights on, and wait until the smoke clears.

If you have a respiratory condition and you have been affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.

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 fast in a west south-westerly direction.

It is uncontained and uncontrolled.

SAFEST ROUTE

Leave to the west on Muir Highway west of Wheatley Coast 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:

Muir Highway between Wheatley Coast Road and Deeside Coast 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.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING

Firefighters are on the scene, actively fighting the fire.

Aerial support cannot operate in the dark and have been released from the incident. If needed they will return at first light..

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 03:15 PM on 2 February 2022.

Currently there has been 10 hectares burnt.

Parks and Wildlife Service 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 two hours unless the situation changes.

DFES Bushfires