Warnbro bushfire update: Watch and act warning in place as residents alerted to ember attacks

Residents in parts of Cooloongup, Waikiki and Warnbro have been warned to be aware of an ember attack amid an out of control bushfire in the City of Rockingham.

The Mayor of Rockingham urged residents in a Facebook post to “please be patient with road closures today”.

“They’re in place so emergency crews can work safely, and I thank the community for their understanding and cooperation... safety is the priority today... please continue to follow advice from emergency services,” she said.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services says that burning embers are likely to be blown around homes and could start fires.

“If your plan is to leave, leave now” DFES warned earlier on Tuesday.

The fire is believed to have started about 7pm on Monday near Warnbro train station.

It spread quickly due to strong winds and high fuel loads.

A train line is closed and roads are shut as 140 career firefighters and volunteers continue to battle the blaze.

Trains on the Mandurah line between Rockingham and Mandurah remained cancelled as a result of the fire.

Transperth said replacement buses were running between Rockingham and Mandurah and urged commuters to “please allow extra travelling time”.

Parts of Safety Bay Road, including between Baldivis Road to Ennis Avenue, are shut, while Ennis Avenue between Wilmott Drive to Royal Palm Drive are also closed.

In the latest watch and act warning issued on Tuesday morning, residents were alerted to a possible ember attack.

“A bushfire watch and act is in place for people in an area bounded by Mandurah Road, Safety Bay Road, Read Street, The Avenue, Wilmott Drive and Seagate Street in parts of Cooloongup, Waikiki and Warnbro in the City of Rockingham,” it said.

“Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home and could spark a fire.

“If your plan is to leave, leave now.”

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said 100 firefighters were actively fighting the blaze on Tuesday morning,

DFES said the fire, which is out-of-control and uncontained, is moving in a north-north westerly direction.

Three separate bushfire advice warning are in place for parts of Safety Bay, Waikiki, Cooloongup and Baldivis - there is currently no threat to lives or home however DFES urges residents to stay updated and visit emergency WA for the latest.

The cause of the fire is under investigation

WHAT TO DO

• If your plan is to leave, leave now.
• Take your emergency kit with you. It should include an AM/FM radio that runs off batteries, a first aid kit, a woollen blanket, phones, protective clothing, medication and irreplaceable valuables.
• Decide where you will go and how you will get there. This could be with family or friends away from the fire.
• Keep your doors and windows closed to keep out smoke.
• Turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible to prevent embers entering your home.
• If you plan to stay and defend ensure you are mentally and physically prepared, with protective clothing and an independent water supply. Make final preparations now and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.