Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Watch and Act - in an area bounded by River Road, Brockman Highway, Poisoned Swamp Road and north of the Blackwood River in Millbrook State Forest in the SHIRE OF NANNUP
The following alert has been issued by the Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

Please note this is now a Watch and Act alert

Time of issue: 01:22 PM
Date of issue: 17 January 2024

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for parts of Millbrook State Forest in the SHIRE OF NANNUP
A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people in an area bounded by River Road, Brockman Highway, Poisoned Swamp Road and north of the Blackwood River in Millbrook State Forest in the SHIRE OF NANNUP.

The alert level for this fire has been upgraded due to a wind change.
There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing.
The fire started near the intersection of JALBARRAGUP and STOATE ROAD.
moving in a south-westerly direction.

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 BEHAVIOUR
The bushfire is moving in a south westerly direction.
It is not contained or controlled.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS
Avoid the area and be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.
A number of roads have been closed including:

Jalbarragup Road is closed between Brook Road and Mowen Road
Crouch Road between Jalbarragup and Sues Road
Lawson Road from Mowen Road
Layman Road south of Mowen Road
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.
100 Parks and Wildlife Service, Bush Fire Service, Career, Volunteer and FPC firefighters are attending.
Aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.

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 01:09 PM on 16 January 2024.
Currently there has been 1,500 hectares burnt.
Parks and Wildlife Service is managing the fire.

KEEP UP TO DATE
Visit Emergency WA, call 13 DFES(13 33 37), 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.

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

DFES Bushfires