Fire Downgraded To An Advice In Gwindinup & Argyle

"It Was Terrifying"


Article heading image for Fire Downgraded To An Advice In Gwindinup & Argyle

UPDATED 2:40pm

Favourable conditions are giving our firefighters the upper hand fighting a fire in the Shire of Capel.

A bushfire ADVICE has now 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 Hooker Street, Hurst Road and the surrounding areas in Gwindinup and Argyle.

The fire is currently stationary and contained, but still yet to be controlled.

Motorists in the area are still advised to stay well away from the area as there is plenty of smoke still around and authorities still attempting to contain the fire.


YELLOW indicates WATCH AND ACT area
BLUE indicates ADVICE area (image: Emergency WA)

Around 100 firefighters are in attendance along with aerial support, fighting the blaze which is so far burnt over 200 hectares.

Local resident Deryn Collins posted on our Facebook page about being evacuated.

"We were evacuated, it was terrifying," he said. "We're at my daughters with 10 bulldogs and 4 cats and don't know when we're allowed back.

"The firies are doing an amazing job."

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The Department of Fire and Emergency Services posted this to show how close the fire got to homes yesterday. They were able to save a number of homes.

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Full details below.

GWINDINUP FIRE

A bushfire ADVICE 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 Hooker Street, Hurst Road and the surrounding areas in Gwindinup and Argyle in the Shires of Capel and Donnybrook Balingup.

  • The alert level for this fire has been downgraded due to favourable conditions
  • 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.
  • The fire started near the intersection of HURST ROAD and HOOKER STREET in GWINDINUP

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:

  • It is contained but not controlled.
  • The fire is stationary.


ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:

Hurst Road, Hetherington Road and Myrtle Ridge are closed.

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

Motorists are asked to 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.
  • Approximately 100 career, volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service and Department of Parks and Wildlife firefighters are attending.
  • Firefighters have saved a number of properties in the area.


EXTRA INFORMATION:

  • Three sheds have been lost.
  • The fire was reported at 12:49 PM on 26 January 2017 and currently there has been 214 hectares burnt.
  • The cause of the fire is unknown.
  • DFES is managing the fire.
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27 January 2017




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