Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Emergency Warning - in Banjos Bore and Milba Communities and people travelling on Great Northern Highway between Milba Road and the Milba Community Access Road in eastern parts of MUELLER RANGES in the SHIRE OF HALLS CREEK
The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES)

This alert has been upgraded to an Emergency Warning as fire conditions are changing. Great Northern Highway is closed in the warning area.

Time of issue: 03:56 PM
Date of issue: 25 October 2023

Bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING for Banjos Bore and Milba Communities in eastern parts of MUELLER RANGES in the SHIRE OF HALLS CREEK
A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING is in place for people in Banjos Bore and Milba Communities and people travelling on Great Northern Highway between Milba Road and the Milba Community Access Road in eastern parts of MUELLER RANGES in the SHIRE OF HALLS CREEK.

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 HALLS CREEK and [FCAD_NearestCrossSt] in HALLS CREEK.

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 eastern parts of MUELLER RANGES in the SHIRE OF HALLS CREEK

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people people travelling along great Northern Highway, three kilometres north of Halls Creek to Milba Road in eastern parts of MUELLER RANGES in the SHIRE OF HALLS CREEK.

The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as conditions are changing.
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 HALLS CREEK in the SHIRE OF HALLS CREEK

A bushfire ADVICE is in place for people on or near Great Northern Highway, from Duncan Road to three kilometres north and extending inland, including north eastern parts of the Halls Creek townsite, in HALLS CREEK in the SHIRE OF HALLS CREEK.

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.
The fire started in HALLS CREEK.

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 moving in a north westerly direction.
It is not contained or controlled.

SAFEST ROUTE
People in the area can leave in a southerly direction towards Halls Creek if safe to do so..

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:

Sections of Great Northern Highway within the warning 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.

EXTRA INFORMATION
The fire was reported at 07:29 AM on 25 October 2023.
The cause of the fire is lightning.
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.

DFES Bushfires