Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Watch and Act - in an area bounded by Julimar Road, Powder Bark Road, Howard Road, Malkup Brook Road and Malkup Brook in parts of JULIMAR and WEST TOODYAY in the SHIRE OF TOODYAY
The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES)

The boundary area for the Watch and Act has reduced. Please also note change under the Restricted Access Permit section.

Time of issue: 01:48 PM
Date of issue: 22 December 2023

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for parts of JULIMAR and WEST TOODYAY in the SHIRE OF TOODYAY
A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people in an area bounded by Julimar Road, Powder Bark Road, Howard Road, Malkup Brook Road and Malkup Brook in parts of JULIMAR and WEST TOODYAY in the SHIRE OF TOODYAY.

The alert level for this fire has been downgraded as the fire has been contained.
There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and conditions could change.

WHAT TO DO
If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.
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.
Bushfire ADVICE for parts of WEST TOODYAY and JULIMAR in the SHIRE OF TOODYAY
A bushfire ADVICE is in place for people in an area east of Timberden Drive to Powder Bark Road and north of Julimar Road to the Julimar State Forest in parts of WEST TOODYAY and JULIMAR in the SHIRE OF TOODYAY.

There is no threat to lives or homes.
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.
Bushfire ALL CLEAR for parts of JULIMAR, MOONDYNE, COONDLE and WEST TOODYAY in SHIRE OF TOODYAY

An ALL CLEAR advice is in place for people east of the Watch and Act area, both north and south of Julimar Road and bounded by Malkup Brook Road to the south, and for people bounded by Plunkett Road and Heine Road to the west, Julimar State Forest to the north and Timberden Drive to the east in parts of JULIMAR, MOONDYNE, COONDLE and WEST TOODYAY in SHIRE OF TOODYAY.

Firefighters will monitor the area.
The danger has passed but you need to remain vigilant in case the situation changes.
WHAT TO DO
Drive slowly and with caution due to smoke and emergency services personnel working in the area.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR
The bushfire is stationary.
It is contained but not controlled.

RESTRICTED ACCESS PERMITS
It is safe to return to properties and roads north of Julimar Road which do not require a Restricted Access Permit.

Restricted Access Permits will be issued for some roads south of Julimar Road. Some roads are still deemed unsafe.

Residents and business owners impacted by the fire can apply for a restricted access permit to enter designated areas for a specific time and purpose.
A Restricted Access Permit issuing unit will be established at Toodyay Evacuation Centre at Toodyay Memorial Hall, 117 Stirling Terrace. Permits will be available from the Evacuation Centre from 8:30am to 5pm on Friday 22 December. Please bring along valid identity documents including a driver's licence or passport, and proof of residency of the affected address.
You will require a Restricted Access Permit to gain access to your property.
Western Power, road inspection teams and firefighters continue to work in the area. We ask residents to remain vigilant and follow the appropriate advice.
Residents who have been issued with a Restricted Access Permit and live on the following roads, it is now safe to return to your property.
- Parkland Drive
- Munnapin Rise
- Mulkup Brook Road
- Donegan View
- Sinclair Road
- Powder Bark Road
You will be required to produce your Restricted Access Permit at the Vehicle Control Point situated at the intersection of Julimar Road and Parkland Drive, prior to returning to your property.
All other roads remain unsafe to leave and return. Our road and property safety inspection teams continue to assess and treat all other roads within the warning area.
Further details on which roads are open will be available at the Evacuation Centre on Friday 22 December.
Due to the ever changing conditions, the issuing of restricted access permits may temporarily stop and your patience is appreciated.
For more information about restricted access permits visit the Restricted Access Permits section of the DFES website.
For information regarding Returning Home after a Bushfire visit the DFES website.

SAFER PLACE
The Department of Communities has set up an evacuation centre at Toodyay Memorial Hall at 117 Stirling Terrace, Toodyay.
Please take any essential items such as medications and identification to the evacuation centre.
Pets (except recognised assistance animals) are not allowed inside evacuation centres for health and safety reasons, so you should make alternative arrangements for them. If this is not possible, please still proceed to the evacuation centre with your pets and await further advice.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS
Julimar Road has reopened with 40km per hour speed restrictions.
Be aware that fire and emergency service personnel continue to work along Julimar Road and surrounding areas. Exercise caution when driving through this area.

A number of roads remain closed including:
Donegan View
Sinclair Place
Powder Bark Road
Howard Road
Sand Springs Road
Munnapin Rise
Malkup Brook Road
Parkland Drive
Residents can see the Restricted Access Permits section for details on access these roads.

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.

POWER
Western Power has been able to restore power to a further 91 homes and businesses.

About 54 remaining customers on another spur remain affected by the bushfire and will remain off until crews are able to access the area.

Areas impacted include parts of Julimar, Chittering, Moondyne and Lower Chittering.

At least two poles have been identified which require replacement. Each pole replacement can take up to 8 hours to replace depending on the type of pole and conditions. This will be completed as soon as it is safe to do so.

For more information, visit www.westernpower.com.au/faults-outages/power-outages

REGISTER.FIND.REUNITE
Register with Register.Find.Reunite to let your family and loved ones know you're OK, where you are located and to enquire about a loved one's whereabouts.

You can register from any computer or mobile device or in person at a temporary evacuation centre.

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 and strengthening containment lines.
Approximately 40 volunteer firefighters are in attendance.

EXTRA INFORMATION
The fire was reported at 10:56 AM on 20 December 2023.
Currently there has been 163 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.

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

DFES Bushfires