Update [10:20]: DFES issued a release at 10:12pm which confirms no change since the 8:50pm update below. To recap:
- The alert level for this fire has been downgraded.
- 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 is currently stationary.
The fire is contained but not controlled. If you are nearby:
- 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.
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.
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Update [8:50]: A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for people in the Yabberup townsite, those travelling along the Donnybrook-Balingup Road between Chapman Road to the east, and Lowden-Grimwade Road to the west. This also includes people in the vicinity of Morrissey Road.
- The alert level for this fire has been downgraded.
- 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 is currently stationary.
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Update [7:38pm]: New information on road closures
A number of roads have been closed including:
Morrissey Road between Boyup Brook-Bailingup Road and Katrina Heights.
The Donnybrook-Balingup Road is now open.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke.
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A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people between Morrissey Road and Carmichael Road, extending east to Nioka Road.
There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing.
You need to leave or get ready to actively defend.
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 are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.
Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:
The bushfire is moving slowly in a north easterly direction.
It is out of control and unpredictable.
This means homes in the Hamilton Estate, Chapman Road, Boyup Brook Road, and the Yabberup townsite may be impacted.
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:
Morrissey Road between Boyup Brook-Bailingup Road and Katrina Heights.
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 calling 138 138 or visiting mainroads.wa.gov.au.
WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:
Firefighters are on the scene, actively fighting the fire.
30 volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service, Department of Parks and Wildlife firefighters are attending.
Aerial support has been sent to protect crews and homes.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup is managing the fire.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit emergency.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa, or listen to news bulletins.