Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Emergency Warning - in the MOWANJUM COMMUNITY in central parts of DERBY in the SHIRE OF DERBY/WEST KIMBERLEY
The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES)

Please note Mowanjum Community is now under an Emergency Warning

Time of issue: 07:41 PM
Date of issue: 01 September 2023

Bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING for MOWANJUM COMMUNITY in central parts of DERBY in the SHIRE OF DERBY/WEST KIMBERLEY
A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING is in place for people in the MOWANJUM COMMUNITY in central parts of DERBY in the SHIRE OF DERBY/WEST KIMBERLEY.

You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.
The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as the community is under threat.
The fire started near Derby Highway in DERBY.
The fire is burning towards Mowanjum Community.

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 central parts of DERBY in the SHIRE OF DERBY/WEST KIMBERLEY

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people in an area south of Derby-Gibb River Road, north west of Mowanjum Community down to Derby Highway in central parts of DERBY in the SHIRE OF DERBY/WEST KIMBERLEY.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing.

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 Hamlet Grove in central parts of DERBY in the SHIRE OF DERBY/WEST KIMBERLEY

A bushfire ADVICE is in place for people in Hamlet Grove, bounded by Derby-Gibb River Road, Maxted Street, Lovegrove Street and east of Lennard road in central parts of DERBY in the SHIRE OF DERBY/WEST KIMBERLEY.

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
It is not contained or controlled.
The fire is moving in multiple directions.

SAFEST ROUTE
If you live in Mowanjum Community, travel north-west towards Derby..

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS
Derby Highway has reopened between Derby Airport Road and Curtin Road (RAAF Base) as the fire has burnt away from the road, however speed restrictions are in place to protect firefighters and emergency personnel working in 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 on the scene, actively fighting the fire.

COVID-19
If you are told to leave in an emergency, don't stay at home even if you have COVID-19 or COVID-like symptoms.

You may stay at a friend or relative's house, an evacuation centre or other suitable accommodation.

If you have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19, take these steps to prevent spreading the illness if you can:

wear a mask around other people
wash your hands regularly
stay and sleep in a separate room
maintain physical distancing.

EXTRA INFORMATION
The fire was reported at 11:45 AM on 1 September 2023.
DFES is managing the fire.

KEEP UP TO DATE
Visit Emergency WA, call 13 DFES (13 3337), 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 hour unless the situation changes.

DFES Bushfires