Australia: Emergency crews responding to bushfire in Shire of Dandaragan, Western Australia, as of early Dec. 14

Event

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) is maintaining an Emergency Warning for a bushfire between Jurien Bay and Cervantes in the Shire of Dandaragan, Western Australia, as of early Dec. 14. The fire is stationary but is neither contained nor controlled. Homes in the area are being threatened by the blaze. Around 100 personnel were on the scene battling the fire as of early Dec. 14. The fire was first reported at around 10:01 Dec. 13 and has burned at least 4,943 hectares (12,214 acres) of land.

The Emergency Warning is in effect in the area bounded by Jurien Road to the north, Munbinea Road to the east, south to Lobster Shack Cervantes, and the coastline to the west, including the townsite of Jurien Bay in Cervantes, Jurien Bay, and Nambung. A bushfire Watch and Act advisory is in place for the area bounded by Gairdner Road across to the coastline to the north, Cockleshell Gully Road to the east, Jurien Road to the south, and the coastline to the west in Jurien Bay. A bushfire Advice advisory is in effect for the area between Lobster Shack Cervantes and Hangover Bay, including Munbinea Road to the east in parts of Cervantes and Nambung.

The DFES has instructed people in the Emergency Warning area to leave immediately if the way is clear. Authorities have advised those in the Jurien Bay townsite to evacuate northward on Bashford Street or east on Jurien Road; people south of the Cervantes Road and Indian Ocean Drive intersection are advised to leave in a southerly direction toward Lancelin on Indian Ocean Drive. If it is unsafe to leave, residents should shelter in their homes, away from the fire front, and ensure that escape is possible if the opportunity arises. The DFES has also advised residents to exercise caution when driving in the Advice area due to poor visibility from smoke. Evacuation centers have been established at Jurien Bay Sport and Recreation Centre (3 Bashford Street, Jurien Bay) and Lancelin Sport and Recreation Centre (Lancelin Road, Lancelin). DFES may extend or rescind warnings and evacuation orders over the coming days.

Around 650 homes and businesses in the area are without power as a result of the bushfire. Schools in Jurien Bay and Cervantes will be closed Dec. 14 due to bushfire activity and road closures. A number of roads are closed in the area, including:

• Indian Ocean Drive between Meadows Rd, Mimegarra to Middleton Blvd in Jurien Bay

• Indian Ocean Drive at the intersection of Middleton Blvd

• Munbinea Road at the intersection of Cervantes Road East

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