Australia: Emergency crews responding to bushfire in the Shire of Dandaragan, Western Australia, Nov. 26

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued an Emergency Warning for a bushfire burning in the Shire of Dandaragan, Western Australia, as of Nov. 26. The fire broke out east of Wedge during the late morning Nov. 25 and is moving fast in a northwesterly direction late Nov. 26. The fire is neither contained nor controlled and is threatening homes in the area. Authorities have not provided an estimated containment date for the fire; further fire growth is possible in the coming hours.

The DFES has issued the following bushfire warnings in the vicinity of the fire:

• Emergency Warning (the highest level on a three-tier scale): for people in Wedge, extending inland to Indian Ocean Drive and north to Bibby Road including Nambung National Park in parts of Wedge Island, Cooljarloo, and Nambung in the Shire of Dandaragan.

• Watch and Act: for people bounded by Bibby Road, Munbinea Road, Cantabilling Road, and west of Brand Highway in parts of Hill River, Badgingarra, Cooljarloo, and Cataby in the Shire of Dandaragan.

• Advice: for an area bounded by Hill River Nature Reserve to the north, Munbinea Road to the east, and to the coast in parts of Jurien Bay, Nambung, and Cervantes in the Shire of Dandaragan.

The DFES has instructed people in the Emergency Warning to leave immediately if the way is clear and to evacuate in a northerly direction towards Cervantes. Officials have advised people in the Watch and Act to leave if they are not well prepared. People in the advice area are advised to stay informed and be prepared in case the situation gets worse. The DFES may extend or rescind warnings and evacuation orders over the coming hours and days.

An evacuation center has been opened at Jurien Bay Sport and Recreation Centre. Several roads in the vicinity of the fire are closed, including Indian Ocean Drive between Ocean Place and Cervantes Road. Nambung National Park is closed due to the fire and Cervantes Primary School will be closed Nov. 27.

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 southwestern Western Australia. Power outages and utilities that rely on electricity could experience outages within and near the wildfire complex.

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).