Exclusion zone declared in WA’s East Pilbara after truck containing chemicals catches fire

A 2km exclusion zone has been declared in Western Australia’s East Pilbara, with residents warned to remain indoors, after a truck carrying ammonium nitrate caught fire.

Emergency services declared a HAZMAT incident 20km north of Newman in the Shire of East Pilbara on Wednesday.

The zone was put in place after an incident on the Great Northern Highway involving a vehicle carrying ammonium nitrate.

The hazardous chemical is used in fertiliser and explosives products.

Firefighters are on the scene and police are assisting with traffic management.

People are advised to stay away from the area.

People travelling along the Great Northern Highway between Newman and Karijini Drive in Juna Downs have been advised to take advice from emergency services personnel.

Those in the area are advised to remain inside, out of the smoke or fumes, with doors and windows closed.

Air conditioners should also be switched off.

People with medical concerns should contact their doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel.

Great Northern Highway between Newman and Karijini Drive remains closed to the public.

The incident comes after Australia’s only monastic town 132km east of Perth was completely evacuated over a similar ammonium nitrate hazard.

Home to the New Norcia Monastery, where nine monks live, the entire town of New Norcia was evacuated after a fire broke out on a truck containing the chemical out on June 3.

New Norcia Abbot John Herbert said he was in the middle of a prayer session called the Office of the Vigils in the chapel when they heard a “few rather alarming thuds”.