Australia: Emergency crews responding to multiple bushfires in southwestern Western Australia as of Jan. 10

Event

Emergency crews are working to contain multiple wildfires that have ignited in southwestern Western Australia as of Jan. 10. Western Australia Department Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Bushfire is responding to at least 18 fires mostly sparked by lightning following an electrical storm overnight Jan. 9-10. Emergency Warnings have been issued for two active fires in the region and several other fires have prompted Watch and Act and Advice warnings.

As of Jan. 10, the following bushfires continue to cause transport disruptions and pose a threat to homes:

Bushfire in the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup
A Bushfire Emergency Warning is ongoing for parts of Beelerup, Brookhampton, and Charley Creek in the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup. Those in the emergency warning area have been advised that lives and homes are in danger and should leave if the way is clear. A Bushfire Advice warning is in place in the surrounding area. The fire started near the intersection of Sandhills Road and Cherrydale Way in Beelerup at around 10:24 Jan. 10 due to lightning. As of the afternoon Jan. 10, the fire is approximately 50 hectares (124 acres) in size. The fire is moving in an easterly direction and is out of control and unpredictable. More than 25 personnel are on site battling the blaze. Road closures are ongoing in parts of the affected area; for full details on warning areas and road closures click here. An evacuation center has opened at Donnybrook Recreation Center and people are being advised that the safest evacuation routes are along the South Western Highway to the north or south or Brookhampton Road to the south.

Bushfire in the shires of Bridgetown-Greenbushes and Manjimup
A Bushfire Emergency Warning has been issued for parts of Kingston, Sunnyside, and Yornup in the shires of Bridgetown-Greenbushes and Manjimup. Those in the emergency warning area have been advised that lives and homes are in danger and should leave if the way is clear. Bushfire Watch and Act and Advice warnings are in place in the surrounding areas. The fire started near the intersection of Gommes Lane and Kingston Road in Sunnyside at around 10:37 Jan. 10. As of the afternoon Jan. 10, the fire is moving in an easterly direction and is out of control and unpredictable. More than 60 personnel are on site battling the blaze. Road closures are ongoing in parts of the affected area; for full details on warning areas and road closures click here. People in the warning area are being advised to leave in a southerly direction towards Manjimup. Power outages have been reported in parts of Kingston and Sunnyside due to the fire.

Depending on the progression of the bushfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities could close additional routes within the region and issue evacuation orders for at-risk communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operators. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows 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 parts of Western Australia. Power outages and utilities that rely on electricity could experience outages within and near the bushfire 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 pre-existing 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 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