Bushfire watch and act for Southhampton and Cundinup

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a threat remains.

You need to be vigiliant and be prepared to leave should conditions change

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.

A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for people in the area bounded by Vasse Highway to the west, Jarrahwood Road, Claymore Road and Upper Capel Road to the north, South Western Highway and Maranup Ford Road to the east and Brockman Highway enclosing the townsites of BALINGUP, KIRUP, MULLALYUP, GREENBUSHES and NANNUP in SHIRES OF DONNYBROOK-BALINGUP, BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES and NANNUP.

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.

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 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.

The bushfire is stationary.

It is contained but not controlled.

Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.

Warren Equestrian Centre in Manjimup have room for horses. Please contact them via their Facebook page or call Katie on 0409 112 529 before arriving. 

Bridgetown Boarding Kennels and Cattery can provide free board for evacuated pets (cats, dogs and other small pets e.g. rabbits and chooks). Please contact them on 9761 1751 and bring ID.

Sequin Lodge Wildlife Sanctuary in Manjimup can take any injured wildlife or wildlife from rehabilitators who have evacuated. Please contact them on 0459 250 386.

If you are on the western side of the fire, travel along Balingup-Nannup Road towards NANNUP. If you are on the eastern side of the fire, travel along Southampton Road to Brockman Highway to NANNUP.

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.

A number of roads have been closed including:

Balingup-Nannup Road between Hill Billie' Winery and Hay Road

Southampton Road at Glenarden Road intersection

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 www.mainroads.wa.gov.au OR by contacting the SHIRES OF DONNYBROOK-BALINGUP or NANNUP.

Bibbulmun Track is closed between Spring Valley Road and the Southampton Bridge including the Blackwood Campsite.

Wrights Bridge Recreation Site is also closed.

POWER: 

Western Power has advised power has been restored. Anyone with ongoing power supply problems can phone 131351 (24 hours)

For further details visit www.westernpower.com.au.

The Department of Education has advised Balingup Primary School will be open Friday 22 February

For more information contact your school directly or visit www.det.wa.edu.au

A community meeting will be held at 1pm on Friday 22 February at the BALINGUP AND DISTRICTS RECREATION CENTRE, also known as BALINGUP AND DISTRICTS SPORTS, South Western Highway, Balingup.

Firefighters are on the scene strengthening containment lines, burning out unburnt pockets, patrolling the area and mopping up.

Approximately 80 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service and Parks and Wildlife Service firefighters are attending.

The Rapid Damage Assessment Team has assessed the impacted area and confirmed four sheds and four vehicles have been lost.

The fire was reported at 02:42 PM on 19 February 2019.

Currently there has been approximately 3,300 hectares burnt.

DFES is managing the fire in conjunction with Parks and Wildlife Service and Local Government.

Register with Register.Find.Reunite. to let your family and loved ones know you’re OK via https://redcross.org.au from any computer or mobile device. If you are unable to contact a loved one who may have been affected by the fires, you can enquire about their whereabouts through the online Register.Find.Reunite. system at https://redcross.org.au. 

Agricultural damages - Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development 08 9780 6119 for any impacts to agriculture due to the fire.

Visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dfes_wa, Facebook: https://facebook.com/dfeswa/, listen to ABC Local Radio or listen to news bulletins. 

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