Source: Emergency WA

The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
Please note parts of this warning have been upgraded to Emergency Warning - Leave Now. Please note changes to the warning area and throughout the warning.
Issued: 16 Jan 2025 04:07 PM

A Bushfire Emergency Warning is in place for people south of South Western Highway bounded by the Munda Biddi Trail and Gavins Road in parts of PAYNEDALE and ARGYLE in SHIRE OF DONNYBROOK-BALINGUP

You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.

WHAT TO DO

If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place. This may be with family or friends away from the area.

if safe to do so, leave in an easterly direction towards Donnybrook.

Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger.

Take your emergency kit with you.

If you become stuck in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself with a woollen blanket, get onto the floor as the windows may break from the intense heat.

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.

You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you before the flames reach you.

Go to a room in your home where you can shelter from the approaching fire.

The room should have running water, such as a kitchen or laundry, and have a clear exit so you can easily escape.

If you are not at home, it is too dangerous to return.

A Bushfire Watch and Act is in place for people in an area bounded by Gemmell Road, Bendall Road, Knights Road and Gavins Road including South Western Highway in parts of PAYNEDALE, ARGYLE and DONNYBROOK in the SHIRE OF DONNYBROOK-BALINGUP

There is a possible threat to lives or homes.

WHAT TO DO

Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home and could spark a fire.

If your plan is to leave, leave now.

Take your emergency kit with you. It should include an AM/FM radio that runs off batteries, a first aid kit, a woollen blanket, phones, protective clothing medication and irreplaceable valuables.

Decide where you will go and how you will get there. This could be with family or friends away from the fire.

Keep your doors and windows closed to keep out smoke.

Turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible to prevent embers entering your home.

Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins and outdoor furniture away from your home.

If you plan to stay and defend ensure you are mentally and physically prepared, with protective clothing and an independent water supply. Make final preparations now and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.

A Bushfire Advice is in place for people in Donnybrook Townsite and surrounding areas in the SHIRE OF DONNYBROOK-BALINGUP

There is no threat to lives or homes.

WHAT TO DO

Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.

Read through your bushfire plan and decide what you will do if the situation gets worse. You can make a plan by visiting My Bushfire Plan.

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.

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.

If driving

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.

Time reported: 1:12 PM, Thursday, January 16, 2025.
Last updated: 1:37 PM, Thursday, January 16, 2025.
Response: On scene.
Reported near SOUTH WESTERN HWY, in ARGYLE.

The bushfire is moving in a south easterly direction

It is not contained or controlled.

DFES Bushfires