People have been warned to act immediately to survive an out-of-control bushfire raging in North Dandalup, 70 kilometres south of Perth.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued an emergency level alert just before 7am, advising those in the area that they are in danger and need to leave now if the way is clear.
Aerial support has been sent in to help protect homes and fight the fire which is burning out of control in an area bound by Mathews Road in the north, Scarp Road in the east, Hines Road in the south and South Western Highway in the west of North Dandalup and western parts of Myara in the Shire of Murray.
Homes in Reides Road in North Dandalup are under threat now.
The bushfire is unpredictable and moving in a westerly direction. Firefighters are on the ground.
The fire, believed to have been caused by a lightning strike, was first reported at 4.13am and upgraded to an emergency level just before 7am.
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.
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 visiting the Main Roads Travel Map, calling 138 138, or calling the local shire.
Visit Emergency WA, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Facebook, listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR, or news bulletins.