Firefighters battle Baldivis blaze

Friday, 25 March 2022 11:42

By Monique Welhan

PIC: File

Firefighters are battling an out-of-control bushfire along the Kwinana Freeway in Baldivis.

It started around 11.10am on Friday near Folly Road and is moving in a westerly direction.

A bushfire advice has been issued for residents in the area.

At this stage there is no threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.

Latest DFES alert:

Bushfire ADVICE for parts of BALDIVIS in the CITY OF ROCKINGHAM 
ALERT LEVEL: 

A bushfire ADVICE is in place for people travelling along Kwinana Freeway and surrounds in parts of BALDIVIS in the CITY OF ROCKINGHAM. 
•    There is no threat to lives or homes.
•    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.

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. You can make a plan by visiting My Bushfire Plan.
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.

COVID-19 
If you are in any form of isolation or quarantine for COVID-19, you must do whatever you need to protect your life.

If you have been personally directed to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19 and have been advised to leave the area:
•    Find suitable alternative premises and wear a mask. Those in the affected area are permitted to go to suitable alternative premises.
•    Alternative suitable premises may include a friend or relative's house, provided they have their own bedroom, preferably own bathroom, and there are not too many people in the house.
•    If you cannot return to your quarantine location within one hour, telephone WA Police on 131 444 to advise them you have had to leave due to an emergency.
•    Regardless of your location, continue to follow COVID-19 precautions and maintain appropriate physical distancing.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR: 
•    The bushfire is moving in a westerly direction.
•    It is out of control and unpredictable.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS: 
Some roads may be closed. 
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 visiting the Main Roads Travel Map, calling 138 138 or by contacting your Local Government Authority.

ANIMAL WELFARE 
Owners or carers of livestock, pets and companion animals should activate their own animal welfare plan. During a bushfire take advice from Local Government Authorities to protect the lives of your animals while keeping yourself safe.

For more information on actions to take for each bushfire warning level, please see the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website. 

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING: 
•    Firefighters are on the scene, actively fighting the fire.

EXTRA INFORMATION: 
•    The fire was reported at 11:12 AM on 25 March 2022. 
•    DFES is managing the fire.
 

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