Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Emergency Warning - in and around the Silvergrass mine in western parts of MOUNT SHEILA and south eastern parts of HAMERSLEY RANGE in the SHIRE OF ASHBURTON
The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES)

This alert has been upgraded to an EMERGENCY WARNING. Please note changes to WATCH AND ACT area. If you are in or around the Silvergrass mine leave in a south easterly direction to Nammuldi Operations.

Time of issue: 02:10 PM
Date of issue: 12 November 2023

Bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING for the western parts of MOUNT SHEILA and south eastern parts of HAMERSLEY RANGE in the SHIRE OF ASHBURTON
A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING is in place for people in and around the Silvergrass mine in western parts of MOUNT SHEILA and south eastern parts of HAMERSLEY RANGE in the SHIRE OF ASHBURTON.

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 approaching the mine.

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.
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 CHICHESTER, FORTESCUE, HAMERSLEY RANGE, MOUNT SHEILA and NANUTARRA in the SHIRE OF ASHBURTON
A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people north of the Bingarn Road and Nanutarra-Munjina Road intersection and west of Fortescue Crossing Road in parts of parts of CHICHESTER, FORTESCUE, HAMERSLEY RANGE, MOUNT SHEILA and NANUTARRA in the SHIRE OF ASHBURTON.

The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as conditions have worsened and the fire has intensified.
There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and the conditions are changing.
The fire started near FORTESCUE.

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 ADVICE for parts of CHICHESTER, COOYA POOYA, FORTESCUE, HAMERSLEY RANGE, MAITLAND, MARDIE, MILLSTREAM, MOUNT SHEILA, NANUTARRA, PANNAWONICA and ROCKLEA in the SHIRE OF ASHBURTON and the CITY OF KARRATHA

A bushfire ADVICE is in place for people west of Pannawonnica and and surrounds, including the Silvergrass mine, Boolgeeda Airport and Weymul Community, in parts of CHICHESTER, COOYA POOYA, FORTESCUE, HAMERSLEY RANGE, MAITLAND, MARDIE, MILLSTREAM, MOUNT SHEILA, NANUTARRA, PANNAWONICA and ROCKLEA in the SHIRE OF ASHBURTON and the CITY OF KARRATHA .

There is no threat to lives or homes.
Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

WHAT TO DO
Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.
Read through your bushfire survival plan.
If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation gets worse. You can make a plan by visiting My Bushfire Plan.
If driving

Be extremely careful when driving through the area.
Turn your headlights on and drive slowly.
Watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR
The bushfire is moving in a easterly direction.

SAFEST ROUTE
If you are in the warning area leave in a south easterly direction to Nammuldi Operations.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS
Avoid the area and be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.

Tom Price Railway Road is closed to the public between Roebourne-Wittenoom Road and the Solomon Access Road.

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.

CAMPSITES
Campers and people travelling throughout the Pilbara should prepare for the potential impact of bushfires over the next few days.
People are advised to reconsider travel plans to campsites in the region.
Travellers using 24-hour rest stops are advised to park away from areas of vegetation.

For more information visit:

​Shire of Ashburton
Shire of Exmouth
City of Karratha
Main Roads
Parks and Wildlife Service - Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions - Park Alerts System (dbca.wa.gov.au)

TOTAL FIRE BANS
Total Fire Bans have been declared for all local government areas in the Pilbara region today.
Emergency services are already responding to a large number of bushfires and the Total Fire Bans have been declared to reduce the risk of more fires and prevent additional pressure on resources.
For information about what you can and can't do during a Total Fire Ban, visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au/totalfirebans

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING
Firefighters are on the scene, actively fighting the fire.

EXTRA INFORMATION
The fire was reported at 04:18 PM on 7 November 2023.
The cause of the fire is lightning.
DFES 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 hour unless the situation changes.

DFES Bushfires