EMERGENCY WARNING Issued For Gwindinup

In the Shire of Capel


Article heading image for EMERGENCY WARNING Issued For Gwindinup

UPDATED 9:15pm

Homes in Hetherington Road, Myrtle Ridge and the southern part of Hurst Road in the town of Gwindinup just south of Boyanup are under threat by a fire this afternoon.

A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING is issued for people in an area bounded by Myrtle Ridge, Hetherington Road and the lower part of Hurst Road in Gwindinup and Argyle.

There is also a WATCH AND ACT issued for people in an area east of South West Highway, north of Argyle Road, the south western part of the Boyanup State Forest, including Myrtle Ridge, Hetherington Road, Hooker Street, Hurst Road and the surrounding areas in Gwindinup and Argyle 

The fire was first reported just after midday today, and began near the intersection of Hurst Road and Hooker Street.

It is currently moving fast in a south easterly direction, out of control and unpredictable. The wind is expected to change from north westerly to southerly at 8pm tonight.

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Residents are being asked to leave in a southerly direction towards Donnybrook, where a temporary evacuation centre has been set up at the Leisure Centre on Steer Street. A community meeting will be held at 7:30pm at the evacuation centre.

So far Hurst Road is closed in both directions between Gwindinup Road and Argyle Road, but other roads may be closed in the area.

A bushfire ADVICE has also been issued for people in and near the Argyle Estate near the intersection of Hurst Road and Gemmell Road in Argyle.


BLUE indicated ADVICE area, YELLOW indicates WATCH AND ACT area,
RED indicates EMERGENCY WARNING area (image: Emergency WA)

GWINDINUP FIRE

A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING has been issued for people  in an area bounded by Myrtle Ridge, Hetherington Road and the lower part of Hurst Road in Gwindinup and Argyle in the Shires of Capel and Donnybrook Balingup. 

  • You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.
  • Homes in Hetherington Road, Myrtle Ridge and the southern part of Hurst Road are under threat by fire now.
  • The fire started near the intersection of HURST RD and HOOKER ST in GWINDINUP.
  • The hotspots are close to Myrtle Ridge Estate.

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.
  • 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.
  • Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.


Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for Gwindinup and Argyle in the Shires of Capel and Donnybrook Balingup

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people in an area east of South West Highway, north of Argyle Road, the south western part of the Boyanup State Forest, including Myrtle Ridge, Hetherington Road, Hooker Street, Hurst Road and the surrounding areas in Gwindinup and Argyle in the Shires of Capel and Donnybrook Balingup..

  • There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in 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.
  • If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.
  • If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.
  • Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.


Bushfire ADVICE for Argyle in the Shires of Capel and Donnybrook Balingup

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for people in and near the Argyle Estate near the intersection of Hurst Road and Gemmell Road in Argyle in Shires of Capel and Donnybrook Balingup. .

  • There is no threat to lives or homes.
  • There is a lot of smoke in the area.
  • Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

WHAT TO DO:

  • 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.

If driving

  • Be extremely careful when driving through the area.
  • 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.
  • 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.


BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

  • The bushfire is moving slowly in a northerly direction.
  • It is out of control and unpredictable.


SAFER PLACE:

  • Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.
  • The temporary evacuation centre at Donnybrook Recreation Centre on Steere Street in Donnybrook has now been closed. However if you need any assistance overnight, please call 0418 943 835
  • Be aware that only essential items can be taken into these centres. Alcohol and pets, except guide and assistance dogs, are prohibited.

PLACE OF LAST RESORT:

  • If you cannot shelter in your home, a safer place you can go to is a local open space, beach, shed, swimming pool, dam or building.
  • This may give you some protection from the effects of a bushfire.
  • Take water, woollen blankets and wear protective clothing.


SAFEST ROUTE:
People in the warning area and surrounds can leave in a southerly direction towards Donnybrook.


ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:

Hurst Road is closed in both directions between Gwindinup Road and Argyle Road.

If possible, avoid the area and be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.

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 calling 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au OR by contacting the SHIRE OF CAPEL.


WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

  • Firefighters are on the scene, strengthening containment lines and actively fighting the fire.
  • Approximately 30 volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service and Department of Parks and Wildlife firefighters are attending.


EXTRA INFORMATION:

  • The fire was reported at 12:49 PM on 26 January 2017 and currently there has been 205 hectares burnt.
  • DFES is managing the fire.


IMPORTANT NUMBERS:

  • If you need any assistance overnight, please call 0418 943 835.
  • Register with Register.Find.Reunite. to let your family and loved ones know you are OK in person at the Evacuation Centre or via https://register.redcross.org.au from any computer or mobile device. 
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26 January 2017




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