Residents in parts of Mindarabin, near Ongerup have been told it is too late to leave as an out-of-control bushfire that sparked emergency warnings blocks evacuation routes and poses a threat to lives and homes.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services have issued an emergency warning, saying it is too late to leave for those bounded by Ongerup Creek, Gnowangerup-Jerramungup Road and Old Ongerup Road in parts of Mindarabin in the Shire of Gnowangerup.
An urgent leave now emergency warning is also in place for people an area bounded by Ongerup Creek, O’Neil Road, Magners Road and Peedilip Creek in parts of Cowalellup, Mills Lake, Mindarabin, Ongerup and Toompup.
There is an immediate threat to lives and homes, according to DFES.
An evacuation centre has been set up by the Department of Communities at Pingrup Race Club on Gaby Street.
DFES said the safest way to get there is in an easterly direction towards Needilip, via Needilup Road and towards Newdegate Pingrup Road and instructed those heading there to take essential items, such as medications and identification.
The fire was reported to DEFS at 12.18pm on Tuesday and had burnt 600ha as of 3pm.
It was reported near the corner of Hinkley and Mindarabin roads and is not controlled or contained.
A DFES spokesperson said the Shire of Gnowangerup was managing the fire, but DFES had sent 13 fire brigade crews as well as crews from the Gnowangerup State Emergency Service.
Two water bombers and an air attack supervisor plane are now on the scene.
DFES could not yet confirm how the fire started.
Residents in an the area bounded by Albany-Lake Grace, Tie Line, Hinkley and Old Ongerup roads should prepare to leave as the fire moves in a south-easterly direction. A bushfire advice in place for the area.
Chesterpass Road between Nyabing-Pingrup Road and Magitup Road and Gnowangerup-Jerramungup Road between South Coast Highway and Maileeup Road have been closed.
Bushfire Emergency Warning – TOO LATE TO LEAVE – MINDARABIN
A Bushfire Emergency Warning is in place for people in an area bounded by Ongerup Creek , Gnowangerup Jerramungup Road and Old Ongerup Road in parts of MINDARABIN, in the SHIRE OF GNOWANGERUP.
You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.
WHAT TO DO
It is too late to leave. Fire has impacted evacuation routes and leaving now will put your life in danger.You need to identify a room in your home where you can shelter from the approaching fire. It should have running water, such as a kitchen or laundry, and have a clear exit so you can easily escape.You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you before the flames reach you.Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.Monitor both inside and outside of your home for fires and embers and turn on sprinklers if you have them.If your home catches fire and the conditions inside become unbearable, go to an area that has already been burnt.Protect yourself by wearing strong leather boots in case you need to leave your home.If you are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000)
Bushfire Emergency Warning – LEAVE NOW – COWALELLUP, MILLS LAKE, MINDARABIN, ONGERUP and TOOMPUP
A Bushfire Emergency Warning is in place for people an area bounded by Ongerup Creek, O’Neil Road, Magners Road and Peedilip Creek, including Ongerup townsite in parts of COWALELLUP, MILLS LAKE, MINDARABIN, ONGERUP and TOOMPUP in the SHIRE OF GNOWANGERUP
You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.
WHAT TO DO
If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place. This may be with family or friends away from the area.If it is safe to do so, leave in an easterly direction towards Gnowangerup.Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger.Take your emergency kit with you.If you become stuck in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself with a woollen blanket, get onto the floor as the windows may break from the intense heat.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.You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you before the flames reach you.Go to a room in your home where you can shelter from the approaching fire.The room should have running water, such as a kitchen or laundry, and have a clear exit so you can easily escape.If you are not at home, it is too dangerous to return.
Bushfire Advice – PREPARE NOW – JACKITUP and MINDARABIN
A Bushfire Advice is in place for people in the area bounded by Albany Lake Grace Road (Chester Pass Road), Tie Line Road, Hinkley Road and Old Ongerup Road in parts of JACKITUP and MINDARABIN in the SHIRE OF GNOWANGERUP
There is no threat to lives or homes.There is a lot of smoke in the area.
WHAT TO DO
Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.Read through your plan and decide what you will do if the situation gets worse. If you do not have a plan, make one now on Emergency WA, or in the Emergency WA app.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.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.
If driving
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.
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