Source: Emergency WA

The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
Please note changes under the Bushfire Behaviour and Road Closures and Conditions sections.
Issued: 31 Jan 2025 03:18 PM

Bushfire Emergency Warning
LEAVE NOW - GNOWELLEN, KOJANEERUP SOUTH, WELLSTEAD, METTLER and GREEN RANGE

A Bushfire Emergency Warning is in place for people in an area bounded by Chillinup Road to the north, Old Boundary Road to the east, the coast to the south, Kojaneerup Springs Road to the west in parts of GNOWELLEN, KOJANEERUP SOUTH, WELLSTEAD, METTLER and GREEN RANGE in the CITY OF ALBANY.

You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.

WHAT TO DO

If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place. This may be with family or friends away from the area.

Leave in an easterly direction towards Boxwood Hill.

If you're located west of the fire, leave in a westerly direction

Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger.

Take your emergency kit with you.

If you become stuck in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself with a woollen blanket, get onto the floor as the windows may break from the intense heat.

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.

You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you before the flames reach you.

Go to a room in your home where you can shelter from the approaching fire.

The room should have running water, such as a kitchen or laundry, and have a clear exit so you can easily escape.

If you are not at home, it is too dangerous to return.

Bushfire Watch and Act
PREPARE TO LEAVE - STIRLING RANGE NATIONAL PARK, AMELUP, KOJANEERUP SOUTH, GNOWELLEN, and WELLSTEAD

Bushfire
GREEN RANGE, CITY OF ALBANY

Bushfire behaviour

The bushfire is moving fast in a north easterly direction.

It is not contained or controlled.

Road closures and conditions

A number of roads have been closed including:

South Coast Highway between Kojaneerup Springs Road and Old Boundary Road.

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

What firefighters are doing

Firefighters are actively fighting the fire.

Aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.

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.

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.

Extra information

The City of Albany is managing the fire.

The incident was reported at 12:37 PM on 31 January 2025.

The cause of the incident is unknown.

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

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 hour unless the situation changes.

DFES Bushfires