Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Watch and Act
PREPARE TO LEAVE - JACUP, WEST FITZGERALD, WEST RIVER, FITZGERALD RIVER NATIONAL PARK, RAVENSTHORPE excluding Ravensthorpe townsite and HOPETOUN excluding Hopetoun townsite

A Bushfire Watch and Act is in place for people in an area extending to the north of South Coast Highway and bounded by Fitzgerald Road to Marshes Beach on the west, Scott Street, Moir Road and John Forrest Road on the east, and Fitzgerald River National Park on the south in parts of JACUP, WEST FITZGERALD, WEST RIVER, FITZGERALD RIVER NATIONAL PARK, RAVENSTHORPE excluding Ravensthorpe townsite and HOPETOUN excluding Hopetoun townsite in the SHIRE OF JERRAMUNGUP and SHIRE OF RAVENSTHORPE.

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

WHAT TO DO
If your plan is to leave, leave now.

Take your emergency kit with you. It should include an AM/FM radio that runs off batteries, a first aid kit, a woollen blanket, phones, protective clothing, medication and irreplaceable valuables.

Decide where you will go and how you will get there. This could be with family or friends away from the fire.

Keep your doors and windows closed to keep out smoke.

Turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible to prevent embers entering your home.

Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins and outdoor furniture away from your home.

If you plan to stay and defend ensure you are mentally and physically prepared, with protective clothing and an independent water supply. Make final preparations now and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.

SAFEST ROUTE
If you choose to leave, leave in a northerly direction if safe to do so.

Bushfire behaviour

The bushfire is moving in an easterly direction.

It is not contained or controlled.

Currently there has been about 169,000 hectares burnt.

Road closures and conditions

A number of roads have been closed including:

South Coast Highway between Jerramungup and Ravensthorpe

Moir Road south-west of Desmond Road

John Forrest Road, northern section

all roads in the Fitzgerald River National Park

Thomas Road south of Aerodrome Road.

Crews are working hard with assistance from Main Roads WA to reopen South Coast Highway. Reopening the highway as soon as possible is a priority.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully. 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.

What firefighters are doing
Updated

Firefighters are actively fighting the fire and strengthening containment lines.

Aerial support cannot operate in the dark and have been released from the incident. If needed they will return at first light.

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.

Extra information

Parks and Wildlife Service is managing the fire.

The incident was reported at 14:30 on 16 January 2026.

The cause of the incident is lightning.

Keep up to date

Visit Emergency WA or download the Emergency WA app from the App Store or Google Play.
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 two hours unless the situation changes.

DFES Bushfires