Bushfire emergency warning issued for Forrestdale

A bushfire emergency warning has been issued for people in an area bounded by Armadale Road, Tonkin Highway, Oxley Road, Commercial Road and Weld Street in Forrestdale in the City of Armadale.

You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.

Homes in the warning area are under threat by fire now.

The fire started near the intersection of Nicholson Road and Rowley Road in Oakford.

WHAT TO DO: 

If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.

Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.

Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home.

Go to a room in your home away from the fire front and make sure you can easily escape.

Choose a room with two exits and water such as a kitchen or laundry.

If you are not at home, it’s too dangerous to return.
 

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

The bushfire is moving fast in a north easterly direction.

It is out of control and unpredictable.

SAFEST ROUTE: 
If you live in the affected area, leave by travelling east along Armadale Road or Rowley Road, or by travelling north along Tonkin Highway and Nicholson Road. 

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS: 

Roads have not been closed.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke.

Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au or by contacting the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

Firefighters are on the scene, actively fighting the fire.

Career Fire and Rescue Service, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service firefighters are attending.

Aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.

DRONES AND AERIAL SUPPORT: 
Never fly a drone, model aircraft or multirotor near bushfires. Doing so poses a major safety risk to firefighting personnel in the air and on the ground, and forces aircraft to be grounded or redirected, hindering firefighting efforts.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

The fire was reported at 03:20 PM on 3 December 2019. 

DFES is managing the fire.

KEEP UP TO DATE: 

Visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dfes_wa, Facebook: https://facebook.com/dfeswa/, listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR, or news bulletins.

During a power outage, your home phone, computer or other electronic devices connected to the NBN will not work. Include a battery powered radio in your emergency kit.