Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Emergency Warning - bounded by Gumnut Road and Richardson Road in the south, Tattenham Road and Pemberton-Northcliffe Road in the east, Malimup track to the west and Barker Road in the north in parts of CALLCUP, CROWEA and MEERUP in the SHIRE OF MANJIMUP
The following alert has been issued by the Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

Please note this has upgraded to an EMERGENCY WARNING

Time of issue: 01:31 AM
Date of issue: 21 December 2023

Bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING for parts of CALLCUP, CROWEA and MEERUP in the SHIRE OF MANJIMUP
A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING is in place for people bounded by Gumnut Road and Richardson Road in the south, Tattenham Road and Pemberton-Northcliffe Road in the east, Malimup track to the west and Barker Road in the north in parts of CALLCUP, CROWEA and MEERUP in the SHIRE OF MANJIMUP.

You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.
The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as the fire is escalating and broken containment lines.
The fire started near the intersection of TATTENHAM RD in MEERUP.

WHAT TO DO
If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.
Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger.
Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home.
Go to a room in your home away from the fire front and make sure you can easily escape.
Choose a room with two exits and water such as a kitchen or laundry.
If you are not at home, it's too dangerous to return.
Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for parts of CALLCUP, CROWEA and MEERUP in the SHIRE OF MANJIMUP
A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people bounded by Gumnut Road and Richardson Road and Meerup River to the coast in the south, Tattenham Road and Pemberton-Northcliffe Road to the east, Barker Road and Larkin Road to Larkin Bridge in the north, then south-west to the properties along the Warren River including the Colonels to the coast in parts of CALLCUP, CROWEA and MEERUP in the SHIRE OF MANJIMUP.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a uncontrolled bushfire is burning in the area.
The fire started near the intersection of TATTENHAM RD in MEERUP.

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.
Keep doors and windows closed 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.
BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR
The bushfire is moving in a westerly direction.
It is not contained or controlled.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS
Avoid the area and be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.
A number of roads have been closed including:

Gloucester Road, Rifle Range Road and Gumnut Road at the Northcliffe-Pemberton Road
Tattenham Road
Rifle Range Road is closed at Holiwell Road.

People should avoid using Lewis Road and the Warren Beach Track.

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 visiting the Main Roads Travel Map, calling 138 138 or by contacting your Local Government Authority.

ANIMAL WELFARE
Owners or carers of livestock, pets and companion animals should activate their own animal welfare plan. During a bushfire take advice from Local Government Authorities to protect the lives of your animals while keeping yourself safe.

For more information on actions to take for each bushfire warning level, please see the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING
Firefighters are working overnight actively fighting the fire and conducting back burning operations.
80 Parks and Wildlife Service, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, FPC, Local Volunteer Bushfire Brigades firefighters are attending.

DRONES AND AERIAL SUPPORT
Never fly a drone, model aircraft or multirotor near bushfires. Doing so poses a major safety risk to firefighting personnel in the air and on the ground, and forces aircraft to be grounded or redirected, hindering firefighting efforts.

EXTRA INFORMATION
The fire was reported at 02:51 PM on 19 December 2023.
Currently there has been approximately 200 hectares burnt.
The cause of the fire is accidental.
Parks and Wildlife Service is managing the fire.

KEEP UP TO DATE
Visit Emergency WA, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Facebook, listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR, or news bulletins.

During a power outage, your home phone, computer or other electronic devices connected to the NBN will not work. Include a battery powered radio in your emergency kit.

Updates will be issued every two hours unless the situation changes.

DFES Bushfires