Margaret River bushfire emergency: Some residents can return home

• You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.
• 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 not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.
• If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.
• If you plan to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. You need to have access to an independent water supply, and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.
• Keep doors and windows closed and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

• The alert level for this fire has been downgraded as weather conditions have improved in the area.
• There is no threat to lives or homes.
• Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
• Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
• 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.
• Read through your bushfire survival plan.
• If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation gets worse. You can make a plan by visiting My Bushfire Plan.

• The bushfire is no longer impacting the community in this area.
• The danger has passed but you need to remain vigilant in case the situation changes.

BUSHFIRE INFORMATION

• It is not contained or controlled. The fire is moving in an easterly direction.
• Currently there has been 5,446 hectares burnt.

• Residents in northern parts of the emergency warning are able to leave via Bussell Highway in a northerly direction towards Margaret River Recreation Centre. Residents in southern parts of the Emergency Warning area are urged to leave south via Karridale on Brockman Highway and Sues Road to Busselton.
  
• Avoid the area and be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.
• A number of roads have been closed including Caves Road between Redgate Road and Bushby Road (Redgate Road at Caves Road intersection is open to local traffic only), Bussell Highway between Forest Grove Road and Karridale. People can access Bushby Road from Bussell Highway to the south and Brockman Highway to the east.

• Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park;
• Conto campground;
• Conto coastal day use site;
• Point Road campsite;
• Boranup campsite;
• Calgardup Cave;
• Giants Cave;
• Boranup Drive;
• Redgate Beach;
• Redgate north carpark and;
• Cape to Cape Track.

MORE HELP:

• The Department of Communities has set up an evacuation centre at Margaret River Recreation Centre (51 Wallcliffe Rd, Margaret River WA 6285)
• Anyone requiring immediate assistance is requested to contact the Communities Disaster Response Hotline on 1800 032 965
• People who have been personally directed to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19, should find alternative suitable premises and wear a mask.
• If this is not possible, proceed to the evacuation centre and identify yourself to centre staff immediately on arrival.
• Protocols are in place to minimise COVID-19 risk at the evacuation centre and you must follow the directions of centre staff.
• Continue to follow COVID-19 precautions and maintain appropriate physical distancing.
• Please take any essential items such as medications and identification to the evacuation centre.
• Pets (except recognised assistance animals) are not allowed inside evacuation centres for health and safety reasons, so you should make alternative arrangements for them. If this is not possible, please still proceed to the evacuation centre with your pets and await further advice.

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