Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Watch and Act - travelling along Great Northern Highway from Frazier Downs Road to 70 kilometres north of Sandfire Roadhouse 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)

There is no change to the previous alert

Time of issue: 12:42 PM
Date of issue: 27 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 travelling along Great Northern Highway from Frazier Downs Road to 70 kilometres north of Sandfire Roadhouse 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 EIGHTY MILE BEACH in the SHIRE OF BROOME
A bushfire ADVICE is in place for people travelling along Great Northern Highway from Mandora Road to 70 kilometres north of Sandfire Roadhouse in parts of EIGHTY MILE BEACH in the SHIRE OF BROOME.

There is no threat to lives or homes.
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 EIGHTY MILE BEACH.

WHAT TO DO
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 westerly direction.
It is not contained or controlled.
The fire is burning on both sides of Great Northern Highway.

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.
Local traffic from Lagrange and Bidyadanga communuities can travel north on Great Northern Highway.

People intending to travel north or south on Great Northern Highway between Broome and Port Hedland today should reconsider.

More info: Main Roads Travel Map.

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 protecting assets and outbuildings and monitoring the fire along the highway.
A number of Career Fire and Rescue Service, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service firefighters are attending.
State Emergency Service and Marine Rescue volunteers, pastoralists and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions firefighters are also in attendance.

EXTRA INFORMATION
The fire was reported at 04:38 AM on 20 October 2023.
Currently there has been 200,000 hectares burnt.
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