Warradarge, Mindarra bushfire: Emergency warning issued, residents urged to act now to survive

An army of firefighters and emergency services are continuing to battle out-of-control fires in WA despite two in five urgent bushfire warnings being downgraded.

Local residents have been warned their lives and homes are at risk as firefighters tackle bushfires burning north-east of Jurien Bay, south-east of Lancelin and east of Guilderton.

Two fires have been downgraded to emergency levels, one near Mandurah and the other near Brigadoon.

The Nambeelup fire was downgraded to a watch and take action alert at around 4.20pm.

Fire remains a potential threat to lives and homes but remains stable. Emergency services are still advising people to avoid the area as they continue to battle the fire.

Another fire near Brigadoon was downgraded to reporting at around 3.30pm but was not completely brought under control.

Approximately 380 hectares of land burned in the fire 15 kilometers east of Ellenbrook.

Emergency services said the incident was not treated as suspicious and they continue to be monitored.

The fire, which covers parts of Bindoon and Chittering, south-east of Gingin, was downgraded to watch and action at around 7pm, but was upgraded to emergency alert at around 7.40pm.

People in the area, bordered by South Wannamal Road to the north, Cullalla Road to the east and Whakea Road to the south, have been urged to leave the area immediately as the fire continues to threaten lives and homes.

Two other fires that pose an emergency level threat are still burning in WA.

It includes a fire in the northeast of Jurien Bay.

The warning remains in force for Garibaldi Willis Road to the east, Tootbardie Road and Banovich Road to the south and the area west of the Brand Highway in the Coorow Shire.

As the fire threatens lives and homes, residents are advised to take immediate action to survive.

Nearly 150 emergency service personnel are responding to the incident, which was reported to have occurred as a result of a lightning strike.

A second fire is burning southeast of Lancelin. The emergency warning covers Gillingarra-New Norcia Road, Gillingarra Road, Fynes Road, Red Gully Road and Burnett Road in the Shire of Gingin.

DFES advised residents to leave if the road was open.

They warned: “Don’t wait, don’t see, leaving at the last minute could endanger your life.”

Three schools will be closed on Tuesday due to the increased risk of bushfires in the area.

Schools include Tambellup Primary School, Ongerup Primary School and Broomehill Primary School.

No one will be allowed on the field and parents have been asked to keep their heir children at home.

WHAT SHOULD WE DO

• If the road is clear, leave immediately to a safer location. This could be with family or friends away from the area.
• If safe to do so, head east along the Coorow-Green Head Road or south on the Brand Highway.
• Don’t wait and see, leaving at the last minute could endanger your life.
• Take your emergency kit with you.
• If you are stranded in your car, park away from the bushes, cover yourself with a wool blanket, and lie down on the ground as the windows may break from the intense heat.
• Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners but allow water to flow through the system if possible.
• If you cannot leave, you need to prepare to shelter in your home.
• You should take shelter before the fire comes, as the extreme heat will kill you before the flames reach you.
• Go to a room in your home where you can take shelter from the approaching fire.
• The room should have running water, such as a kitchen or laundry room, and a clear exit so you can easily escape.