Bushfire near Donnybrook: Homes and lives in South West under threat

A fire raging northwest of Donnybrook has sparked an emergency warning for South West residents, with emergency services warning there is a threat to lives and homes.

A bushfire emergency warning is currently in place for people located south of South Western Highway bounded by the Munda Biddi Trail and Gavins Road.

People in the area are urged to leave now if safe, preferably in an easterly direction towards Donnybrook.

If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home before the fire arrives in a room with running water and a clear exit.

The fire was first reported to emergency services at 1.12pm as a fire on the northern side of the South Western Highway.

The cause of the blaze has been deemed accidental.

The bushfire is moving in a south easterly direction and is not contained or controlled.

Firefighters are actively fighting the blaze.

DFES Volunteer Bushfire Service, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and Parks and Wildlife are also in attendance.

The Department of Communities have also set up an evacuation centre at Capel Community Centre on Forrest Road, Capel.

“Please take any essential items such as medications and identifications to the evacuation centre,” a DFES spokesperson said.

Pets — with the exception of recognised assistance animals — are not allowed inside the evacuation centre.

“If this is not possible, please still proceed to the evacuation centre with your pets and await further notice,” the spokesperson said.

“Owners or carers of livestock, pets and companion animals should actiate 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.”

Road closures are in place including South Western Highway between Bendall Road and Argyle Road.

A bushfire watch and act is also in place for people west and north of the emergency area in an area bounded by Gemmell Road, Bendall Road, Knights Road and Gavins Road including South Western Highway.

Authorities are urging people if their bushfire plan is to leave, then leave now as embers are likely to be blown around your home and could spark a fire.

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, according to DFES.

A bushfire advice has also been issued for the Donnybrook townsite east of the emergency zone as residents should stay alert and monitor surroundings.

Just south of the Donnybrook fire, DFES has issued a watch and act in Yoganup — 20 minutes south east of Busselton — for people bounded by Sabina Road, Quilergup Road, Hayley Road, and Vasse Highway.

The fire was reported at 2.30pm and residents are now urged to stay alert and monitor conditions.

If you are not prepared, plan to leave or find it hard to move quickly leaving now is the safest option.