Narrikup bushfire: Emergency warning issued for out-of-control blaze in Shire of Plantagenet near Mt Barker

People in Narrikup have been told to flee as firefighters battle an out-of-control bushfire about 17km south of Mt Barker in the Great Southern.

The unpredictable blaze, which was reported at about 1pm on Friday, is moving fast in a north-easterly direction with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services issuing an emergency warning at 1.48pm.

People in the area bounded by Yellanup Road, Albany Highway, Townshend Road and Watermans Road in the Shire of Plantagenet have been told to act immediately to survive as the fire threatens lives and homes.

The alert area was expanded at 2pm to include a watch and act warning for people bounded by Oneill Road, Lionetti Road, Reynolds Road, Townshend Road, Watermans Road and Albany Highway in Mount Barker and Narrikup.

The area was expanded again an hour later with the addition of an advice warning for people in the area north of O’Neill Road, bounded by Warbuton Road to the north and Albany Highway to the west, in Mount Barker.

A DFES spokesperson said there were 14 appliances on scene made up of volunteers from surrounding areas and career firefighters from Albany.

Yelllanup Road has been closed and authorities have advised motorists to avoid the area.

Visit Emergency WA, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Facebook, listen to local radio.

WHAT TO DO - EMERGENCY

• If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place. This may be with family or friends away from the area.
• If safe to do so, leave west along Yellanup Road towards Narrikup or east along Yellanup Road towards the Porongurup National Park.
• Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger.
• Take your emergency kit with you.
• If you become stuck in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself with a woollen blanket, get onto the floor as the windows may break from the intense heat.
• 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.
• You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you before the flames reach you.
• Go to a room in your home where you can shelter from the approaching fire.
• The room should have running water, such as a kitchen or laundry, and have a clear exit so you can easily escape.
• If you are not at home, it is too dangerous to return.

WHAT TO DO – WATCH AND ACT

• 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.

WHAT TO DO – ADVICE

• Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
• Read through your bushfire plan and decide what you will do if the situation gets worse. You can make a plan by visiting My Bushfire Plan.
• Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
• Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If you have a respiratory condition and you have been affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.