Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Watch and Act
AVOID THE AREA - BANNISTER

A Bushfire Watch and Act is in place for people in an area bounded by east of the Boddington Gold Mine, north and west of Bannister-Marradong Road, west of Albany Highway and south of Youraling State Forest in parts of BANNISTER in the SHIRE OF BODDINGTON.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and conditions are changing.

WHAT TO DO
If you have remained in the area, stay alert and monitor your surroundings as conditions could change.

If you are actively defending your property, continue to patrol and put out spot fires.

Keep doors and windows closed, and evaporative air conditioners turned off with water running through the system if possible.

Be patient and follow the directions of emergency services.

If you are driving note speed restrictions on Albany Highway.

Bushfire behaviour
Updated

The bushfire is stationary.

The fires have been contained but are not yet controlled.

Strong winds are forecast in the warning area which may which place pressure on containment lines.

Road closures and conditions
Updated

All roads are open including:

Crossman-Dwarda Road

Albany Highway. Speed restrictions are in place and motorists should continue to exercise extreme caution.

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
Updated

Firefighters are actively fighting the fire, strengthening containment lines and mopping up.

85 Bush Fire Service, Career Fire and Rescue Service, Parks and Wildlife Service, Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services and Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service firefighters are attending.
Firefighters from Newmont Mine and South32 Emergency Response teams are assisting at the incident.

Stakeholders including local government, Main Roads and WA Police are also on scene providing support.

The State Emergency Service is in attendance.

DFES has an incident management team of approximately 20 personnel coordinating and supporting the response.

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.

Power

Western Power has advised power supply to about 26 homes and businesses in Wandering remain affected by the bushfire.

Crews are being mobilised to repair underground damage sustained with restoration expected to be on 27 January.

For more information, visit https://www.westernpower.com.au/outages/

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

DFES is managing the fire.

The incident was reported at 12:17 PM on 22 January 2026.

The fire was caused by lightning.

Beware of fallen trees in the area.

Keep up to date

Visit Emergency WA or download the Emergency WA app from the App Store or Google Play.
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