Firefighters gain upper hand on Hope Valley blaze

Firefighters have worked tirelessly to contain a massive bushfire that started in Hope Valley in the City of Kwinana.

Nearby residents were urged to evacuate their homes on Saturday with an emergency warning in place for most of the day.

That warning was downgraded to a watch and act on Sunday morning.

There is still a possible threat to lives and homes for people bounded by Wattleup Road and the intersection of Rockingham Road and Cockburn Road to the south, the coast and Cockburn Road to the west, Gemma Road and Torgoyle Road to the north and Rockingham Road and Moylan Road to the east in parts of Henderson and Wattleup. 

The bushfire is now contained but still not under control .

PIC: Nine News

LATEST DFES ALERT:

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for parts of HENDERSON and WATTLEUP in the CITY OF KWINANA

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people bounded by Wattleup Road and intersection of Rockingham Road and Cockburn Road to the south, the coast and Cockburn Road to the west, Gemma Road and Torgoyle Road to the north and Rockingham Road and Moylan Road to the east in parts of HENDERSON and WATTLEUP in the CITY OF KWINANA.

• There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing.
• The fire started near the intersection of ROCKINGHAM RD and LUSSKY RD in HOPE VALLEY.

WHAT TO DO:

• If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.
• If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.
• If you plan to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. You need to have access to an independent water supply, and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.
• Keep doors and windows closed and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

Bushfire ADVICE for in parts of HOPE VALLEY, HENDERSON, WATTLEUP and NAVEL BASE in the CITY OF KWINANA in the CITY OF KWINANA and CITY OF COCKBURN

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire ADVICE is in place for people bounded by Cockburn Road to the west, Quill Way to the north, Rockingham Road to the east and Gemma Road to the south. A BUSHFIRE ADVICE is also in place for people bounded by Moylan Road to the west, Torgoyle Road to the north, Power Avenue to the east and Wattleup Road to the south. A BUSHFIRE ADVICE is also in place for people bounded by Rockingham Road to the west, Wattleup Road to the north, the trainline to the east and the intersection of Rockingham Road and Cockburn Road to the south in parts of HOPE VALLEY, HENDERSON, WATTLEUP and NAVEL BASE in the CITY OF KWINANA in the CITY OF KWINANA and CITY OF COCKBURN.

• There is a lot of smoke in the area.
• Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
• The fire started near the intersection of ROCKINGHAM RD and LUSSKY RD in HOPE VALLEY.

WHAT TO DO:

• Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
• Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
• Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.
• Read through your bushfire survival plan.
• If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation gets worse. You can make a plan by visiting My Bushfire Plan.

If driving

• Be extremely careful when driving through the area.
• Turn your headlights on and drive slowly.
• Watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.
• If you cannot see clearly, pull over, keep your headlights and hazard lights on, and wait until the smoke clears.
• If you have a respiratory condition and you have been affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.

Bushfire ALL CLEAR for parts of HENDERSON, HOPE VALLEY and WATTLEUP in the CITY OF COCKBURN

ALERT LEVEL:

An ALL CLEAR advice is in place for people bounded by the trainline to the west, Wattleup Road to the north, Postans Road to the east and Hope Valley Road to the south.An ALL CLEAR is also in place for people bounded by Cockburn Road and Power Avenue to the west, Russell Road to the north, Pearse Road to the east and Wattleup Road to the south.An ALL CLEAR is also in place for people bounded by the Power Avenue to the west, Russell Road to the north, Pearse Road to the east and Wattleup Road and Toygoyle Road to the south parts of HENDERSON, HOPE VALLEY and WATTLEUP in the CITY OF COCKBURN..

• The danger has passed but you need to remain vigilant in case the situation changes.

WHAT TO DO:

• Drive slowly and with caution due to smoke and emergency services personnel working in the area.

COVID-19

If you are told to leave in an emergency, don't stay at home even if you have COVID-19 or COVID-like symptoms.

You may stay at a friend or relative's house, an evacuation centre or other suitable accommodation.

If you have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19, take these steps to prevent spreading the illness if you can:

• wear a mask around other people
• wash your hands regularly
• stay and sleep in a separate room
• maintain physical distancing.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

• The bushfire is stationary.
• It is contained but not controlled.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.

A section of Russell Road has reopened for travel eastbound from Rockingham Road.

A number of roads remain closed including:

• Rockingham Road in both directions between Hope Valley Road and Russell Road
• Russell Road and Rockingham Road intersection (excluding eastbound traffic on Russell Road)
• Moylan Road and Wattleup Road intersection 
• Hope Valley Road and Rockingham Road intersection 
• Anketell Road and Rockingham Road intersection
• Cockburn Road and Stuart Drive intersection 
• Cockburn Road between Russell Road and Rockingham Road

Roads remain closed due to fallen trees. Crews will inspect and machinery will clear all roads prior to re-opening. 

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 visiting the Main Roads Travel Map, calling 138 138 or by contacting your Local Government Authority.

ANIMAL WELFARE

Owners or carers of livestock, pets and companion animals should activate their own animal welfare plan. During a bushfire take advice from Local Government Authorities to protect the lives of your animals while keeping yourself safe.

For more information on actions to take for each bushfire warning level, please see the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

• Firefighters are on the scene, actively fighting the fire and strengthening containment lines.
• 100 Career Fire and Rescue Service, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service, Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services, Parks and Wildlife Service firefighters are attending.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

• The fire was reported at 08:37 AM on 17 December 2022.
• Currently there has been 86 hectares burnt.
• DFES is managing the fire.