Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Watch and Act - in the vicinity of Hamersley Drive North between East Mount Barren and West River Road in the eastern parts of Fitzgerald River National Park in the SHIRE OF RAVENSTHORPE
The following alert has been issued by the Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

This alert has been upgraded to a WATCH AND ACT. Please note information under Park Closures Section.

Time of issue: 11:00 AM
Date of issue: 28 November 2023

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for eastern parts of Fitzgerald River National Park in the SHIRE OF RAVENSTHORPE
A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people in the vicinity of Hamersley Drive North between East Mount Barren and West River Road in the eastern parts of Fitzgerald River National Park in the SHIRE OF RAVENSTHORPE .

The alert level for this fire has been upgraded due to increased fire behaviour.
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 north of East Mount Barren.

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.

SAFEST ROUTE
If people are within the Hamersley Inlet area, head north towards the South Coast Highway via West River Road. .

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

A number of roads within Fitzgerald River National Park have been closed including:

Hamersley Drive North from West River Road through to East Mount Barren
access to the eastern end of the national park via Hamersley Inlet 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.

PARK CLOSURES
The eastern parts of the Fitzgerald River National Park will be closed including all campgrounds and day-use areas off Hamersley Drive will be closed.

Affected sites include

Hamersley Inlet campground
Moir Track
Quoin Head Track
Hakea Walk Trail
Four Mile Campground remains open.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING
Firefighters are on their way and active aerial water bombing is taking place.
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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 09:13 AM on 28 November 2023.
The cause of the fire is lightning.
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