Source: Emergency WA

Bushfire Watch and Act - in an area bounded by Derby Highway to the south and west, Derby-Gibb River Road to the north and east of Fifteenth St, including 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 changes to the warning level and area

Time of issue: 05:54 PM
Date of issue: 01 September 2023

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for central parts of DERBY including the MOWANJUM COMMUNITY in the SHIRE OF DERBY/WEST KIMBERLEY

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people in an area bounded by Derby Highway to the south and west, Derby-Gibb River Road to the north and east of Fifteenth St, including the MOWANJUM COMMUNITY in central parts of DERBY in the SHIRE OF DERBY/WEST KIMBERLEY.

The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as it is burning in multiple directions including towards the Mowanjum community.
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 Derby Highway in DERBY.

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

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:

Derby Highway between Derby Airport Road and Curtin Road (RAAF Base)
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 two hours unless the situation changes.

DFES Bushfires