A FACEBOOK page set up to share information about the Waroona bushfire threat has been flooded with offers of help from members of the local community.
With access to the townsite now blocked by the closure of South West Highway, the page is providing information for residents from people on the ground in Waroona.
There have been unconfirmed reports of three homes damaged in the blaze.
The latest DFES warning remains unchanged with an emergency warning still in place.
An evacuation centre has been set up in Harvey, where a community meeting is currently under way.
LATEST WARNING -
Bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING for Waroona in the Shire of Waroona
Saturday 31 January 2015 - 10:17 AM
A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING remains in place for people in the Waroona townsite, in an area bounded by McDowell Street, South West Highway, McLartey Street and Paganini Road, in the Shire of Waroona.
• You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.
• Homes throughout the townsite of Waroona are under threat by fire now.
• The fire started south of Forrington Heights and is now burning within the Waroona townsite.
BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:
• The bushfire is moving fast in a north westerly direction.
• It is out of control and unpredictable.
• Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home. Spot fires are starting up to 400 metres ahead of the fire.
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.
• There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.
• If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it.
• If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.
SAFEST ROUTE:
• Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.
• Residents in Waroona can leave in a southerly direction.
RELOCATION POINT:
An emergency relocation point has been established at the Harvey Town Hall, located on the corner of Young Street and Uduk Street in Harvey.
COMMUNITY MEETING:
A community meeting has been scheduled for 10am today at the Harvey Town Hall.
PLACE OF LAST RESORT:
• If you cannot shelter in your home, a safer place you can go is a local open space, shed, swimming pool, dam or building where you may go to seek shelter from a bushfire.
• This will give you some protection from the effects of a bushfire.
• Take water, woollen blankets and wear protective clothing.
ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people surrounding the townsite of Waroona bounded by Peel Road, Brockman Road North, Old Pool Road, Paganini Road and Lake Moyanup.
• There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching the area and conditions are changing.
• You need to leave or get ready to actively defend.
WHAT TO DO:
• If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.
• There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.
• Do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.
• If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.
ROAD CLOSURES:
Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.
South West Highway is closed between the intersection of Mayfield Road to the north of Waroona and Willowdale Road to the south. Vehicle control points are in place and the South West Highway is closed to all traffic entering Waroona, vehicles can still leave the area.
Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au
POWER:
• Western Power is assisting at the fire control point.
• The fire has destroyed at least 5 power poles in the Waroona area.
• Approximately 15 customers are without power due to the fire.
• Western Power crews are assessing the extent of the network damage and preparing to commence restoration works.
• If you see a fallen powerline, stay well clear and make the safe call to Western Power's 24/7 emergency line on 13 13 51.
WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:
• Firefighters are protecting houses throughout the townsite of Waroona and working to contain the spread of the fire.
• 150 career and volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service, Volunteer Fire Service and Department of Parks and Wildlife firefighters are on the scene.
• WA Police and St John Ambulance are also in attendance.
• Aerial support is protecting houses and assisting ground crews.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
• The fire was reported at 2.31am on 29 January and currently there has been 325 hectares burnt.
• Telephone text and voice messages have been issued to people in Waroona.
• The cause of the fire is lightning.
• DFES is managing the fire.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa, listen to ABC local radio, or news bulletins.
Updates will be provided every hour unless the situation changes.
