A watch and act warning is still in place.
Camera IconA watch and act warning is still in place. Credit: Supplied/DFES/Facebook

Bushfire could cross containment lines

Nadia BudihardjoWeekend Kwinana Courier

FIREFIGHTERS are battling to bring a bushfire under control amid fears that high winds could cause the blaze to breach containment lines.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has downgraded an emergency warning south of Perth, but the fire is not yet contained.

A watch and act remains in place for Hopeland, Oldbury, Mardella, Serpentine, Baldivis, and Wellard.

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It affects people in an area bounded by Mortimer Road and Gossage Road to the north, Kwinana Freeway to the west, Karnup Road to the south, and Kargotich Road to the east.

About 180 firefighters are on the scene, with 1330 hectares burnt.

MORE: Atwell, Success bushfire closes Kwinana Freeway

— For up-to-date information visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au.

DFES said there was a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire was approaching in the area and conditions are changing.

“The bushfire is stationary. It is contained but not controlled,” the warning states.

“This alert remains at Watch and Act level due to unfavourable wind conditions which may cause the fire to breach containment lines.

“Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.”

The Department for Communities has set up a temporary evacuation centre at Mike Barnett Sports Complex located at Dixon Road and Goddard Street, Rockingham.

DFES/Facebook
Camera IconDFES/Facebook Credit: Supplied/DFES

DFES said the fire started near the intersection of Karnup Road and Young Road and was reported at 12.02pm yesterday.

DFES said the cause of the fire was accidental.

A bushfire advice warning remains for parts of Cockburn, Armadale, Kwinana, Rockingham and the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale.

It affects people in an area bounded by Kwinana Freeway to the west, Thomas Road to the north, Kargotich Road to the east and Mortimer Road to the south, but not including the Freeway, and an area bounded by Kwinana Freeway to the east, Karnup Road to the south, Baldivis Road and Johnson Road to the west and Mortimer Road to the north.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development advises all animal owners in the areas impacted by bushfire in to evacuate their livestock, horses and companion animals, or move them to pre-determined safer areas.

For more information visit DPIRD website https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/animalwelfare/animal-welfare-emergencies.

WHAT TO DO for a Watch and Act alert:

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.

SAFER PLACE:

Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.

The Department for Child Protection and Family Support has set up a temporary evacuation centre at Mike Barnett Sports Complex, Dixon Rd & Goddard St, Rockingham WA 6168.

Be aware that only essential items can be taken into these centres. Alcohol and pets, except guide and assistance dogs, are prohibited.

PLACE OF LAST RESORT:

If you cannot shelter in your home, a safer place you can go to is a local open space, beach, shed, swimming pool, dam or building.

This may give you some protection from the effects of a bushfire.

Take water, woolen blankets and wear protective clothing.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:

Mundijong Road is closed both directions between Kwinana Freeway and King Road as crews work along the road.

Duckpond Road from Mundijong Road and Banksia Road has also been closed off.

Folly Road and St Albans Road from Kwinana Freeway to Mundijong Road, Serpentine Road at Karnup Road, Young Road at Karnup Road, Doghill Road and Horsfall Road remain closed.

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

Be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.

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 Rockingham.

RESTRICTED ACCESS PERMITS:

Residents and business owners impacted by the fire can apply for a restricted access permit to enter designated areas for a specific time and purpose.

Restricted Access Permits are required for entry to all roads west of Lloyd Road, including Lloyd Road, Doghill Road, Powell Road and Young Road.

A restricted access permit issuing unit has been established at Baldivis Fire Station, which is located at Eighty Road, at the corner of Tranby Drive, in Baldivis.

Permits need to be obtained by 6pm. Please bring along valid identity documents including a driver’s licence or passport, and proof of the affected address.

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 www.dfes.wa.gov.au/regulationandcompliance/restrictedaccesspermits

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.