Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Watch and Act - in an area bounded by Lawson and Layman Roads to the west, Mowen Road to the north, Brockman Highway to the east, and north of the Blackwood River in the Millbrook State Forest, including the settlement of Jalbarragup, 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 an evacuation centre is open at Nannup Recreation and Community Centre.

Time of issue: 12:49 PM
Date of issue: 18 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 Lawson and Layman Roads to the west, Mowen Road to the north, Brockman Highway to the east, and north of the Blackwood River in the Millbrook State Forest, including the settlement of Jalbarragup, in the SHIRE OF NANNUP.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and the conditions are changing.
The fire started near the intersection of JALBARRAGUP and STOATE ROAD.
Heavy smoke is visible from Nannup, Darradup and Jalbarragup.

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 Millbrook State Forest in the SHIRE OF NANNUP

A bushfire ADVICE is in place for people in an area bounded by Sues Road to the west, Mowen Road to the north, Lawson and Layman Roads to the east, and north of the Blackwood River in Millbrook State Forest in the SHIRE OF NANNUP.

The alert level for this fire has been downgraded due to a change in weather conditions.
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.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR

The bushfire is stationary.
It is not contained or controlled.

The fire has decreased due to favourable weather conditions.

If favourable weather conditions continue, aerial ignition will be undertaken to strengthen containment of the fire boundaries.
SAFER PLACE
- The Department of Communities has set up an evacuation centre at Nannup Recreation Centre on Warren Road, Nannup.
- 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

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 Road 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, strengthening containment lines.
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 3,400 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.

DFES Bushfires