Australia: Emergency crews responding to bushfire in Port Kennedy, Western Australia, as of Dec. 29

Event

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) is maintaining an Emergency Warning for a bushfire in parts of Port Kennedy in the City of Rockingham, Western Australia, as of Dec. 29. The fire started near the intersection of Bakewell Drive and Paxton Way in Port Kennedy at around 09:30 Dec. 29. The fire is moving in a southwesterly direction and is neither contained nor controlled. The blaze is threatening homes in the area.

The Emergency Warning is in effect in the area bound by Warnbro Sound Avenue, Ennis Avenue, San Sebastian Boulevard and Port Kennedy Drive in Port Kennedy in the City of Rockingham. Properties in Bakewell Drive and La Estrada Way are under threat by the fire.

The DFES has instructed people in the Emergency Warning area to leave immediately if the way is clear. If it is unsafe to leave, residents should shelter in their homes, away from the firefront, and ensure that escape is possible if the opportunity arises. Several roads are closed due to the fire, including Bakewell Drive between Port Kennedy Drive and Warnbro Sound Avenue, Port Kennedy Drive between Bakewell Drive and Ennis Avenue, Sevilla Terrace, La Estrad Way, Merida Loop, Burgos Lane, and Toledo Circuit. The DFES has also advised residents that additional roads in the area may be closed and to exercise caution when driving due to poor visibility from smoke. DFES may extend or rescind warnings and evacuation orders over the coming days. Authorities have not provided an estimated containment date for the fire; further fire growth is possible in the coming days.

Transport and Utilities
The status of roads can change over the coming hours and days; authorities could close routes within the fire complex and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and response operations needs. Traffic disruptions are also likely during reentry periods after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.

Smoke and ashfall from bushfires may cause poor air quality in the impacted parts of Western Australia. Power outages and utilities that rely on electricity could experience outages within and near the wildfire complex.

Health
Smoke from fires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees, plants, and possibly building materials. Such smoke can hurt the eyes, irritate the respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Smoke may also worsen symptoms for people with preexisting respiratory conditions, such as allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Advice

Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected areas; road closures and detours will likely cause increased congestion and delays. Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in a "go-bag" that can be easily accessed. Charge battery-powered devices in case of prolonged power outages.

Resources

Emergency WA
Bureau of Meteorology
Main Roads Western Australia