Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Watch and Act - in an area bound by Chester Pass Road, Millbrook Road and Simpson Road in parts of KING RIVER, MILLBROOK and NAPIER in the CITY OF ALBANY in the CITY OF ALBANY

The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES)

This warning has been upgraded to a Watch and Act and an additional Advice area has been added

Time of issue: 12:44 PM
Date of issue: 25 October 2023
Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for parts of KING RIVER, MILLBROOK and NAPIER in the CITY OF ALBANY in the CITY OF ALBANY

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people in an area bound by Chester Pass Road, Millbrook Road and Simpson Road in parts of KING RIVER, MILLBROOK and NAPIER in the CITY OF ALBANY in the CITY OF ALBANY.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing.
The fire started near the intersection of SIMPSON RD and CHESTER PASS RD in KALGAN.

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 KING RIVER, MILLBROOK, NAPIER and WILLYUNG in the CITY OF ALBANY

A bushfire ADVICE is in place for people in an area west of Millbrook Road and Chester Pass Road, north of Menang Drive to Parker Brook Road and Albany Highway in the west including eastern parts Hazzard Road in parts of KING RIVER, MILLBROOK, NAPIER and WILLYUNG in the CITY OF ALBANY.

There is a lot of smoke in the area.
Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
The fire started near the intersection of SIMPSON RD and CHESTER PASS RD in KALGAN.

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.
If you cannot see clearly, pull over, keep your headlights and hazard lights on, and wait until the smoke clears.
If you have a respiratory condition and you have been affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR

The bushfire is moving in a south westerly direction.
It is not contained or controlled.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.
A number of roads have been closed including:

Simpson 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.
WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING

Firefighters are on the scene, actively fighting the fire.
35 Bush Fire Service firefighters are attending.

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 05:28 AM on 25 October 2023.
The cause of the fire is suspicious/deliberately lit.
People are asked to report any suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
City of Albany 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.


DFES Bushfires