Source: Emergency WA

A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING is in place for people 3 kilometres to the south and 3 kilometres to the north of South Coast Highway between Mettler Road and Kojoneerup Road West in parts of GREEN RANGE and METTLER in the CITY OF ALBANY.

You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.
The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as the fire activity has escalated..
Smoke from the bushfire could impact South Stirling, Manypeaks, Kojoneerup, Porongurup, Mt Barker and Green Range. People travelling on South Coast Highway and surrounds should DRIVE WITH CAUTION as there will be reduced visibility.

WHAT TO DO

It is safe to leave in a northerly or westerly direction.
If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.
Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger.
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.
Go to a room in your home away from the fire front and make sure you can easily escape.
Choose a room with two exits and water such as a kitchen or laundry.
If you are not at home, it's too dangerous to return.

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for parts of GREEN RANGE and METTLER in the CITY OF ALBANY

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people in an area bounded by Coninup River and Warriup Road including the Tinkelelup Nature Reserve in parts of GREEN RANGE and METTLER in the CITY OF ALBANY.

The alert level for this fire has been downgraded as it is no longer a threat to lives and homes, however you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

WHAT TO DO

If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.
If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.
If you plan to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. You need to have access to an independent water supply, and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.
Keep doors and windows closed and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

Bushfire ADVICE for parts of GREEN RANGE, KOJANEERUP SOUTH, SOUTH STIRLING, METTLER and WELLSTEAD in the CITY OF ALBANY

A bushfire ADVICE is in place for people in an area north of South Coast Highway between Shearer Road and Drawbin Road, an area east of the South Coast Highway, and an area south of Warriup Road down to Bluff Creek Road and including the coast in parts of GREEN RANGE, KOJANEERUP SOUTH, SOUTH STIRLING, METTLER and WELLSTEAD in the CITY OF ALBANY.

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.
The fire started near Venns Road in GREEN RANGE.

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.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR

It is not contained or controlled.

​Smoke is impacting visibility within the incident area including South Coast Highway. Drive with caution.
Smoke is impacting areas of South Stirling, Green Range, Porongurup, Mt Barker and Manypeaks.
Due to variable weather conditions, the direction of the fire is unpredictable and changing.

SAFEST ROUTE

It is safe to leave the warning area in a northern or westerly direction.
ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS

Some roads may be closed.

Warriup Road has been 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.
Aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.
Approximately 70 bushfire firefighters, farmer response unit, DBCA and DFES personnel are actively fighting the fire and strengthening containment lines. Machinery contractors are also assisting with building containment lines.
An Incident Management Team is assisting operations.

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.
EXTRA INFORMATION

The fire was reported at 06:02 AM on 7 February 2024.
Currently there has been approximately 3111 hectares burnt.
DFES is managing the fire.

KEEP UP TO DATE

Visit Emergency WA, call 13 DFES , follow DFES on Facebook, listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR, or news bulletins.

During a power outage, your home phone, computer or other electronic devices connected to the NBN will not work. Include a battery powered radio in your emergency kit.

DFES Bushfires