Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Watch and Act
LEAVE NOW IF YOU ARE NOT PREPARED - CAPEL RIVER, PAYNEDALE and THE PLAINS

A Bushfire Watch and Act is in place for people north of Goodwood Road and south Camp Gully Road in parts of CAPEL RIVER, PAYNEDALE and THE PLAINS in the SHIRE OF CAPEL and the SHIRE OF DONNYBROOK-BALINGUP.

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 your plan is to leave, leave now.

Take your emergency kit with you. It should include an AM/FM radio that runs off batteries, a first aid kit, a woollen blanket, phones, protective clothing, medication and irreplaceable valuables.

Decide where you will go and how you will get there. This could be with family or friends away from the fire.

Keep your doors and windows closed to keep out smoke.

Turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible to prevent embers entering your home.

Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins and outdoor furniture away from your home.

If you plan to stay and defend ensure you are mentally and physically prepared, with protective clothing and an independent water supply. Make final preparations now and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.

Bushfire behaviour

The bushfire is moving in a north north westerly direction.

It is not contained or controlled.

Road closures and conditions

Some roads may be closed.

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.

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 incident was reported at 03:05 PM on 16 February 2026.

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