Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Watch and Act - for people travelling along Great Northern Highway from Lagrange to 30 kilometres north of Eighty Mile Beach in parts of LAGRANGE and EIGHTY MILE BEACH in the SHIRE OF BROOME

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

Please note the upgrade of the northern section of the warning area to a WATCH and ACT. The Great Northern Highway between Sandfire Roadhouse and Roebuck Roadhouse is now closed.

Time of issue: 10:12 AM
Date of issue: 26 October 2023
Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for parts of LAGRANGE and EIGHTY MILE BEACH in the SHIRE OF BROOME.

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people for people travelling along Great Northern Highway from Lagrange to 30 kilometres north of Eighty Mile Beach in parts of LAGRANGE and EIGHTY MILE BEACH in the SHIRE OF BROOME.

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 EIGHTY MILE BEACH.

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 LAGRANGE and EIGHTY MILE BEACH in the SHIRE OF BROOME.
BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR

The bushfire is moving fast in a 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:

Great Northern Highway between Sandfire Roadhouse and Roebuck Roadhouse

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.

Pastoralists, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Aboriginal ranger groups, and the Kimberley Land Council are also in attendance.

EXTRA INFORMATION

The fire was reported at 04:38 AM on 20 October 2023.
Currently there has been 170,000 hectares burnt.
The cause of the fire is The cause of the fire is suspicious..
People are asked to report any suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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.

DFES Bushfires