AT LEAST one home has been confirmed lost, with several others reported to have been damaged, in what has been an emotional day for Waroona residents.
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An emergency warning remains in place in an area bounded by Nanga Brook Road, Hill Street, McLartey Street and Paganini Road in Waroona.
While many have already evacuated the area, anyone still in the area under arming is in danger and needs to act immediately to survive.
Winds are forecast to re-strengthen and be gusty overnight, which could challenge containment lines.
The fire is still out of control, and while there is no running fire at this stage the risk remains high.
Burning embers may be blown near homes.
WHAT TO DO:
• If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.
• Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.
• There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.
• If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it.
• If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.
SAFEST ROUTE:
• Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.
• Residents in Waroona can leave in a southerly direction.
RELOCATION POINT:
The emergency relocation point is located at the Harvey Recreation and Culture Centre, located at the showgrounds. Entry is via Tom Latch Drive.
A community meeting has been scheduled for 5:00pm today at the Harvey Recreation and Culture Centre.
PLACE OF LAST RESORT:
• If you cannot shelter in your home, a safer place you can go is a local open space, shed, swimming pool, dam or building where you may go to seek shelter from a bushfire.
• This will give you some protection from the effects of a bushfire.
• Take water, woollen blankets and wear protective clothing.
ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people surrounding the townsite of Waroona bounded by Peel Road, South West Highway, James Road, Paganini Road and Lake Moyanup.
• There is a possible threat to lives and homes as the fire has the potential to impact the area.
• You need to leave or get ready to actively defend.
ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for people surrounding the townsite of Waroona bounded by Brockman Road, Mayfield Road, James Road and the Southwestern Highway in the Shire of Waroona.
• There is no threat to lives or homes but 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.
WHAT TO DO:
• If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.
• There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.
• Do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.
• If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.
ROAD CLOSURES:
Hill Street at Nanga Brook Road
Hill Street at Elliot Street
Hill Street at Millar Street
Lyons Road at Weir Road
South West Highway is now open with restrictions in place, between the intersection of Greenlands Road to the north of Waroona and Willowdale Road to the south.
Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au
POWER:
• Western Power is assisting at the fire control point.
• The fire has destroyed powerlines and 8 power poles in the Waroona area.
• Approximately 35 customers are without power due to the fire.
• Western Power crews have commenced rebuilding the network..
• If you see a fallen powerline, stay well clear and make the safe call to Western Power's 24/7 emergency line on 13 13 51.
• For further details visit www.westernpower.com.au
WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:
• Firefighters are protecting houses throughout the townsite of Waroona and consolidating containment lines.
• 150 career and volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service, Volunteer Fire Service and Department of Parks and Wildlife firefighters are on the scene.
• State Emergency Service volunteers, WA Police and St John Ambulance are also in attendance.
• Aerial support is protecting houses and assisting ground crews.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
• People in the area who have relocated can register their whereabouts or inquire about the location of loved ones at the evacuation centre or online for 'Register.Find. Reunite' at www.redcross.org.au.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa, listen to ABC local radio, or news bulletins.
Updates will be provided every hour unless the situation changes.
