Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Watch and Act - travelling along Eyre Highway near Balladonia Roadhouse and southern part of Balladonia in the SHIRE OF DUNDAS
The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES)

Please note upgrade to Watch and Act. Eyre Highway is now closed as strong winds and high temperatures are pushing the fire towards the Highway. People should reconsider travel plans over the coming days.

Time of issue: 01:25 PM
Date of issue: 21 February 2024

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for Balladonia Roadhouse and southern part of Balladonia in the SHIRE OF DUNDAS
A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people travelling along Eyre Highway near Balladonia Roadhouse and southern part of Balladonia in the SHIRE OF DUNDAS .

The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as strong winds and increased fire conditions are pushing the fire towards Eyre Highway..
There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing.
The fire is currently burning south east of the Balladonia Roadhouse.

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 northerly direction.
It is unpredictable.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS
Avoid the area and be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.

Eyre Highway is now closed between Norseman and Caiguna. Travellers need to reconsider their travel through the area.
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 actively fighting the fire.
Machinery contractors are on scene assisting.

EXTRA INFORMATION
The fire was reported at 03:31 PM on 7 February 2024.
Currently there has been 3254 hectares burnt.
The cause of the fire is unknown.
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.

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

DFES Bushfires