Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Emergency Warning - west of Dillistone Road and Bella Vista Road to the coastline, between Wells Road and the mouth of Oakajee River in the south to Oakabella Creek, Yarra Road, Starling Road and Bunter Way in the north in parts of HOWATHARRA, OAKAJEE, WHITE PEAK and BOWES in the SHIRES OF CHAPMAN VALLEY and NORTHAMPTON.

The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES)

There is no change to the previous alert. It is still too late to leave for people in the EMERGENCY WARNING area on both sides of North West Coastal Highway south of Coronation Beach Road and Nanson-Howatharra Road. People north of Coronation Beach Road and west of North West Coastal Highway and for people bound by North West Coastal Highway, Nanson-Howatharra Road, Bella Vista Road and Bunter Way should leave north toward Northampton if safe to do so

Time of issue: 03:59 AM
Date of issue: 11 December 2023
Bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING for parts of HOWATHARRA, OAKAJEE, WHITE PEAK and BOWES in the SHIRES OF CHAPMAN VALLEY and NORTHAMPTON

A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING is in place for people west of Dillistone Road and Bella Vista Road to the coastline, between Wells Road and the mouth of Oakajee River in the south to Oakabella Creek, Yarra Road, Starling Road and Bunter Way in the north in parts of HOWATHARRA, OAKAJEE, WHITE PEAK and BOWES in the SHIRES OF CHAPMAN VALLEY and NORTHAMPTON..

You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.
Homes in Nanson-Howatharra Road, Olsen Road, Wells Road, North West Coastal Highway and Coronation Beach Road are under threat by fire now.
The fire started near the intersection of NANSON-HOWATHARRA RD and BELLA VISTA RD in HOWATHARRA.

WHAT TO DO

For people on both sides of North West Coastal Highway south of Coronation Beach Road and Nanson Howatharra Road from Dillistone Road to the coastline and north of Wells Road and the mouth of Oakajee River:

It's too late to leave, leaving now will put your life in danger.
You need to shelter in your home in a room away from the fire front and make sure you can easily escape.
You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you well before the flames reach you.
Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
Choose a room with two exits and water such as a kitchen or laundry.
If your home catches on fire and the conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt.
Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and trousers, made from cotton or wool, and strong leather boots.

For people north of Coronation Beach road and south of Yarra Road, including parts of Starling Road between North West Coastal Highway and the coastline and for people bound by North West Coastal Highway, Nanson-Howatharra Road, Bella Vista Road and Bunter Way:

If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.
Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger.
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 parts of BOWES in the SHIRE OF NORTHAMPTON
BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR

The bushfire is moving in a north westerly direction.
It is out of control and unpredictable.
Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home.
This means Homes in Nanson-Howatharra Road, Olsen Road, Wells Road, North West Coastal Highway and Coronation Beach Road are under threat by fire now.

SAFER PLACE

The evacuation centre at Queen Elizabeth II Community Centre, 88 Durlacher St, Geraldton WA 6530 has closed.
For people travelling with caravans and camper trailers a parking area is available
at Francis Street Boatramp and Carpark, in Geraldton.

SAFEST ROUTE

For people north of Coronation Beach Road between North West Coastal Highway and the coastline leave north toward Northampton, 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:

North West Coastal Highway between Northampton and Four Forty Roadhouse
Nanson-Howatharra Road
Olsen Road
Oakajee Road
Wells Road
Coronation Beach Road
Bella Vista Road
Bunter Way

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 advised 105 homes and businesses power supply has been affected by the bushfire. Towns include Howatharra and Nabawa. For more information, visit the Western Power Outages map Outages (westernpower.com.au)
Network operations centre will backfeed where possible to restore power. Those within the bushfire zone will not be able to be restored until crews are able to access the fire ground under the direction of DFES.

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.
120 Career Fire and Rescue Service, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Farmer units, State Emergency Services and Parks and Wildlife Service firefighters are attending.

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 10:37 AM on 10 December 2023.
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.

DFES Bushfires