Source: Emergency WA

The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
Please note this warning has been upgraded to an Emergency Warning - Leave Now. See changes throughout.
Issued: 01 Jan 2025 04:04 PM

Bushfire Emergency Warning
LEAVE NOW - THE LAKES, WOOROLOO and WOOTTATING

A Bushfire Emergency Warning is in place for people in an area bounded by Great Eastern Highway, Chinganning Road, Inkpen Road, Woottating Road and Carter Road in parts of THE LAKES, WOOROLOO and WOOTTATING in the SHIRE OF MUNDARING and SHIRE OF NORTHAM

The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as there is an imminent threat to lives and homes.

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 it is safe to do so, leave in an northern or southerly direction.

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.

Bushfire
THE LAKES, SHIRE OF MUNDARING

Bushfire behaviour

The fire started on Great Eastern Highway near the intersection of Carter Road in The Lakes.

The bushfire is moving fast in an easterly direction at 2km/h.

It is out of control and unpredictable.

Road closures and conditions

A number of roads have been closed including:

Great Eastern Highway between The Lakes Roadhouse to Linley Valley Road

Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully. 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.

What firefighters are doing

Firefighters are actively fighting the fire.

Aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.

Drones and aerial support

Never fly a drone, model aircraft or multirotor near bushfires. Doing so poses a major safety risk to firefighting personnel in the air and on the ground, and forces aircraft to be grounded or redirected, hindering firefighting efforts.

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.

Extra information

The Shire of Mundaring is managing the fire.

The incident was reported at 2:16pm on 1 January 2025.

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 hour unless the situation changes.

DFES Bushfires