Update (3.52pm):
The Department of Fire and Emergency Service (DFES) has downgraded their warning to a bushfire advice.
While a lot of smoke remains in the area, there is no threat to lives or homes.
Although there is no immediate danger people have been urged to stay aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
To keep up to date with the latest bushfire information visit the Emergency WA website.
Update (3.13pm):
The Department of Fire and Emergency Service (DFES) has issued a bushfire watch and act warning for people in the Karnup area.
There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing.
People in the area have been advised to leave or urged get ready to actively defend.
The following information has been issued by the department:
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 are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.
- Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:
- Some roads may be closed.
- 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 www.mainroads.wa.gov.au OR CITY OF ROCKINGHAM.
WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:
- Firefighters are on the scene.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
- The fire was reported at 2:21pm on January 16.
- DFES is managing the fire.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
- Visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dfes_wa, Facebook: https://facebook.com/dfeswa/, listen to ABC Local Radio or listen to news bulletins.
- Updates will be issued every two hours unless the situation changes.
Previous (3pm):
Local fire and rescue crews have called for air support to help battle blaze near Karnup.
More than seven fire rescue crews are at the scene of the out of control bushfire, thought to be a running-fire roughly 100 square metres in size.
About 2.20pm, the blaze started near Amarillo Drive and Paganoni Road.
A Department of Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said crews had called in extensive support due to the strong westerly winds in the area.
She said there was a lot of smoke in the area, which had covered a section of the nearby freeway.
Read more: Authorities respond to separate car fires
The department has set up a control point along Amarillo Drive to help coordinate the fire and rescue crews on the ground.
It’s understood properties in the area are under threat.
The department is yet to confirm what caused the blaze.
The Mandurah Mail understands there are currently four fire and rescue crews from Singleton, one from Secret Harbour, one from Baldivis and two from Mandurah in the area.
More as it comes to hand.
To keep up to date with the latest bushfire information visit the Emergency WA website.
