Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Watch and Act - north of the Boolgeeda Airport and south of Millstream Road in eastern parts of HAMERSLEY RANGE, south western parts of CHICHESTER and parts of MOUNT SHEILA in the SHIRE OF ASHBURTON
The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES)

Please note part of the warning area has been upgraded to WATCH AND ACT. Also note changes under BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR and WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING sections

Time of issue: 04:02 PM
Date of issue: 10 November 2023

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for eastern parts of HAMERSLEY RANGE, south western parts of CHICHESTER and parts of MOUNT SHEILA in the SHIRE OF ASHBURTON
A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people north of the Boolgeeda Airport and south of Millstream Road in eastern parts of HAMERSLEY RANGE, south western parts of CHICHESTER and parts of MOUNT SHEILA in the SHIRE OF ASHBURTON.

The alert level for this fire has been upgraded due to escalating fire conditions.
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 FORTESCUE.

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 CHICHESTER, COOYA POOYA, FORTESCUE, HAMERSLEY RANGE, MAITLAND, MILLSTREAM, MOUNT SHEILA, NANUTARRA and ROCKLEA in the SHIRE OF ASHBURTON and the CITY OF KARRATHA
A bushfire ADVICE is in place for people west of Roebourne-Wittenoom Road and Nunutarra-Munjina Road and surrounds, including Weymul Community, in parts of CHICHESTER, COOYA POOYA, FORTESCUE, HAMERSLEY RANGE, MAITLAND, MILLSTREAM, MOUNT SHEILA, NANUTARRA and ROCKLEA in the SHIRE OF ASHBURTON and the CITY OF KARRATHA .

The alert level for this fire has been downgraded as the fire is no longer a threat to the community.
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 FORTESCUE.

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 east-north-easterly direction.
It is not contained or controlled.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS
Roads have not been closed.

Drivers are advised to ensure they are fully stocked with fuel, water and supplies at every opportunity.
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.

CAMPSITES
Campers and people travelling throughout the Pilbara should prepare for the potential impact of bushfires over the next few days.
People are advised to reconsider travel plans to campsites in the region.
Travellers using 24-hour rest stops are advised to park away from areas of vegetation.

For more information visit:

​Shire of Ashburton
Shire of Exmouth
City of Karratha
Main Roads
Parks and Wildlife Service - Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions - Park Alerts System (dbca.wa.gov.au)

TOTAL FIRE BANS
Total Fire Bans have been declared for all local government areas in the Pilbara region today.
Emergency services are already responding to a large number of bushfires and the Total Fire Bans have been declared to reduce the risk of more fires and prevent additional pressure on resources.
For information about what you can and can't do during a Total Fire Ban, visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au/totalfirebans

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING
Firefighters are actively fighting the fire and conducting mitigation strategies.

EXTRA INFORMATION
The fire was reported at 04:18 PM on 7 November 2023.
The cause of the fire is lightning.
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.

Updates will be issued every two hours unless the situation changes.

DFES Bushfires