FIREFIGHTERS are tackling a bushfire south of Perth which is a possible threat to lives and homes.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a Watch and Act warning for parts of Spearwood and Coogee in the City of Cockburn.
The alert affects people in an area bounded by Spearwood Avenue to the north, Cockburn Road to the west, Ocean Road to the south and Rockingham road to the east, including Hamilton Road, Entrance Road and surrounding areas.
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READ NOWAbout 30 firefighters are on the scene, with aerial support assisting ground crews.
DFES says the bushfire is out of control, unpredictable and moving fast in a westerly direction.
“There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing,” the alert says.
The fire started near the intersection of Spearwood Avenue and Hamilton Road in Spearwood.
DFES said the fire was reported at 3.51pm.
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.
At all times close all doors and windows 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.
ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:
A number of roads have been closed including Spearwood Avenue between Hamilton Road and Cockburn 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 calling 138 138 or visiting travelmap.mainroads.wa.gov.au or by contacting the City of Cockburn.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES on 13 3337, follow DFES on Twitter, Facebook, listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR, or news bulletins.