A bushfire emergency warning is in place for the people of Yallingup in the Busselton region.
The Department of Fire and Emergency services has released a statement warning residents they are in danger and need to act now.
“You need to act immediately to survive, there is a threat to lives and homes,” the statement read.
It is expected homes in the Yallingup region will be engulfed within the hour.
The out-of-control bushfire is moving quickly in a south westerly direction with firefighters on the scene.
A local Yallingup resident who is currently in the DFES red zone area has said she can see smoke but hasn’t been told to evacuate yet.
“I can see smoke, a lot of it…there are people leaving frantically too but I haven’t been told what to do yet — the pub is still full of people,’ the lady said.
“People are jumping in their cars and leaving all around me, it wasn’t until I saw it on Facebook that I even knew there was a fire…it looks big from where I am but it’s also starting to rain which is good,” she said.
The fire started near the intersection of Duckworth place in Naturaliste but the cause remains unknown.
WHAT TO DO:
- If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.
- Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.
- Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
- If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home.
- Go to a room in your home away from the fire front and make sure you can easily escape.
- Choose a room with two exits and water such as a kitchen or laundry.
- If you are not at home, it’s too dangerous to return.
- If you are in an area subject to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, put your bushfire plan into action now and continue to follow precautions to minimise spread of the virus.
If you have been personally directed to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19:
- Leave now, find alternative suitable premises and wear a mask.
- If you are unable to return to your quarantine location within one hour, telephone WA Police on 131 444 to advise them you have had to leave due to an emergency.
- Regardless of your location, continue to follow COVID-19 precautions and maintain appropriate physical distancing.
BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:
- The bushfire is moving fast in a south westerly direction.
- It is out of control and unpredictable.
SAFEST ROUTE:
If you live in Dawson Drive and Wardanup Crescent you can leave in a southerly direction.
ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:
Some roads may be closed.
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 travelmap.mainroads.wa.gov.au or by contacting the CITY OF BUSSELTON.
More to come.