Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Emergency Warning - bounded by Hamersley Drive to the north, Whale Bay Drive to the east and west, and the coastline to the south in parts of HOPETOUN in the SHIRE OF RAVENSTHORPE
The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES)

Please note a new EMERGENCY WARNING AREA and increase to the WATCH AND ACT area.

Time of issue: 04:40 PM
Date of issue: 11 February 2022

Bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING for parts of HOPETOUN in the SHIRE OF RAVENSTHORPE

A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING is in place for people bounded by Hamersley Drive to the north, Whale Bay Drive to the east and west, and the coastline to the south in parts of HOPETOUN in the SHIRE OF RAVENSTHORPE.

You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.

The fire started near the intersection of HAMERSLEY DR and SEAVIEW WAY in HOPETOUN.

WHAT TO DO

If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.

Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.

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 southern parts of HOPETOUN in the SHIRE OF RAVENSTHORPE

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people in Crystal Park and western parts of the Hopetoun townsite including those bounded by Lechanaultia Drive to the north, Hopetoun Ravensthorpe Road and Veal Street to the east, the coastline and Hamersely Drive to the south, Canning Boulevard to the west and a direct line running north to south from the west end of Lechanaultra Drive to Hamersely Drive in southern parts of HOPETOUN in the SHIRE OF RAVENSTHORPE..

The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as the fire behaviour is changing.

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 HAMERSLEY DR and SEAVIEW WAY in HOPETOUN.

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 southern parts of HOPETOUN in the SHIRE OF RAVENSTHORPE

A bushfire ADVICE is in place for people in the eastern parts of the Hopetoun townsite including those bounded by Veal Street to the west, Tamar Street to the north, Phillips Street to the east and the coastline to the south in southern parts of HOPETOUN in the SHIRE OF RAVENSTHORPE.

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 the intersection of HAMERSLEY DR and SEAVIEW WAY in HOPETOUN.

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.

COVID-19

If you are in lockdown or any form of isolation or quarantine for COVID-19, you must do whatever you need to protect your life.

If you have been personally directed to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19 and have been advised to leave the area:

Find suitable alternative premises and wear a mask. Those in the affected area are permitted to go to suitable alternative premises without putting others at risk.

Alternative suitable premises may include a friend or relative's house, provided they have their own bedroom, preferably own bathroom, and there are not too many people in the house.

If you cannot return to your quarantine location within one hour, telephone WA Police on 131 444 to advise them you have had to leave due to an emergency.

Regardless of your location, continue to follow COVID-19 precautions and maintain appropriate physical distancing.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR

The bushfire is moving fast in a south easterly direction.

It is not contained or controlled.

SAFEST ROUTE

If you live in the Watch and Act or Emergency Warning areas it is safe to leave via Hopetoun Ravensthorpe Road or Hamersley Drive to towards the Hopetoun townsite.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS

Roads have not 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 responding.

Aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.

EXTRA INFORMATION

The fire was reported at 02:00 PM on 11 February 2022.

Shire of Ravensthorpe is managing the fire.

KEEP UP TO DATE

Visit Emergency WA, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter, 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 hour unless the situation changes.

DFES Bushfires