DFES issues bushfire alert for Nowergup in City of Wanneroo

UPDATE, February 5: DFES has issued an ‘all clear’ for the Nowergup bushfire.

UPDATE, 9pm: DFES has downgraded the bushfire alert level to ‘advice’ as the fire is contained and controlled.

There is no threat to lives or homes, but DFES advised people to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

About 80 firefighters from bush fire, volunteer fire and emergency, volunteer fire and rescue, and Parks and Wildlife services are attending the fire, which has burnt about 10ha.

Firefighters are strengthening containment lines, patrolling the area and mopping up.

While all roads have been reopened, motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to emergency services personnel working in the area.

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

EARLIER: FIREFIGHTERS and aerial support are attending a bushfire in Nowergup in the City of Wanneroo.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a ‘watch and act’ alert for parts of the rural suburb as there is a possible threat to lives and homes.

DFES advised that the fire, reported about 5.08pm on February 3, was out of control and unpredictable.

The alert was issued for people bounded by Karoborup Road to the north, Gibbs Road to the east, Nowergup Road to the south and Wanneroo Road to the west.

Conditions are changing and people are advised to leave or get ready to actively defend.

The fire is burning on the eastern side of Wanneroo Road in the Neerabup Nature Reserve and towards properties on Gibbs Road.

DFES advised people to close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

The fire is moving in a north easterly direction and has burnt through about 5ha.

Some roads may be closed and DFES advised people driving on Wanneroo Road and Gibbs Road to drive with caution due to smoke and emergency services personnel in the area.

A control point at the junction of Karoborup Road and Wanneroo Road is stopping southbound traffic along Wanneroo Road, and another at the junction of Gibbs Road and Wanneroo Road is stopping northbound traffic along Wanneroo Road.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke.

Firefighters, including bush fire, career fire and rescue and volunteer fire and rescue services, are actively fighting the fire.

Aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.

DFES warned people to never fly a drone or multirotor near bushfires as it poses a risk to firefighters in the air and in the ground.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage.

Visit emergency.wa.gov.au for updates.