Bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING for Vasse Plantation, 22km south-west of Busselton in SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER

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.

SAFER PLACE:

An evacuation centre has been set up at the Geographe Leisure Centre (Corner Queen Elizabeth Avenue and Recreation Lane, West Busselton).

• Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.

• The Department for Child Protection and Family Support has set up a temporary evacuation centre at (place, address, directions).

• 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.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:

• Vasse Highway is closed between Sues Road and Nannup townsite.

• Mowen Road has been closed from Sues Road to Jalbaragup Road.

• Multiple forest tracks are closed.

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 CITY OF BUSSELTON.

RECREATION SITE CLOSURES:

The Munda Biddi Trail is closed between Nannup townsite and the intersection of Claymore and Lidel Road.

DRONES AND AERIAL SUPPORT:

Never fly a drone, model aircraft or multirotor near bushfires. Doing so poses a major safety risk to firefighting personnel in the air and on the ground, and forces aircraft to be grounded or redirected, hindering firefighting efforts.