Australia: Emergency crews responding to bushfire in the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup, Western Australia, as of early Jan. 5

Event

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued an Emergency Warning for a bushfire in parts of the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup, Western Australia, as of early Jan. 5. The fire was first reported around 15:06 near the intersection of Thomson Brook Road and Eastman Road in Thomson Brook. The fire is moving in a westerly direction and is reportedly out of control and unpredictable. The blaze is threatening homes in the area and the alert level has been upgraded due to increased fire activity.

The Emergency Warning is in effect in the area bounded by Brookhampton Road to the north, South West Highway to the west, Kirup-Grimwade Road to the south, and Thomson Brook Road to the east in southern parts of Thomson Brook, Brookhampton, Grimwade, Kirup, Mullalyup, Noggerup, Upper Capel, and Newlands. A Bushfire Watch and Act warning is in place for the area bounded by South West Highway to the east, Upper Capel Road to the west and south, and Goldfields Road to the north in Brazier, Brookhampton, Kirup, Newlands, and Upper Capel. Another Watch and Act warning is in place for the area bounded by Thomas Brook Road to the west, Preston Road to the east, Grimwade Road to the south, and Forrest Road to the north in Grimwade, Kirup, Noggerup, and Thomson Brook.

The DFES has instructed people in the Emergency Warning area to leave immediately if the way is clear. The advised evacuation route is in a northerly direction on the South West Highway toward Donnybrook. An evacuation center has been established at the Donnybrook Recreation Centre, 15/17 Steere Street, Donnybrook. 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. Several roads are closed due to the fire, including Thomson Brook Road from Towers Road, as well as Brookhampton Road from the Brookhampton Road and Thomson Brook intersection to the south and from the South West Highway and Kirup-Grimwade Road intersection. The DFES may extend or rescind warnings and evacuation orders over the coming hours and days. Authorities have not provided an estimated containment date for the fire; further fire growth is possible.

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
Main Roads Western Australia