Bush fire alert

bush fire north of Dongara watch and act alert

http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/alerts/Pages/Alert.aspx?ItemId=8450

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for 15 kilometres north of Dongara in the Shire of Irwin Thursday 5 December 2013 - 8:53 AM A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people 15 kilometres north of Dongara in the Shire of Irwin.

The fire started near Bonniefield Road East and is burning towards Brand Highway.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching the area and conditions are changing.

You need to leave or get ready to actively defend.

WHAT TO DO:
Put your bushfire survival plan into action. If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear. There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible. If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now. 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 around your house with your hose and put out spot fires.If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

ROAD CLOSURES:
A number of roads have been closed including:
Brand Highway is closed from the Mount Hornet Road intersection

For further details contact Main Roads WA on 138 138 or Shire of Irwin.

Motorists should avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR: The bushfire is moving fast in a south westerly direction towards the Brand Highway.

It is out of control and unpredictable.

Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home and spot fires are starting up to 200 metres ahead of the fire.

Flames are three metres high.

The fire was reported at 8.07am today.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING: Thirty volunteer Fire and Rescue Service are on the scene.

Two fixed wing water bombers have been sent to assist ground crews.

CAUSE: The cause of the fire is lightning.

AGENCY RESPONSIBLE: The Shire of Irwin is managing the fire.

KEEP UP TO DATE: Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 1300 657 209 or listen to news bulletins.

Updates will be provided every two hours unless the situation changes.