Uncontrolled scrub fire in Forest Hill sparks watch and act alert with residents told to prepare to leave

Residents in Forest Hill, west of Mt Barker, have been told to prepare to leave due to a scrub fire that broke out on Saturday afternoon.

The fire was reported at 12:09pm near Pavlovich and Whitworth roads and sparked a watch and act alert at 1.35pm.

A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said four firefighting crews have been sent to the scene.

The fire is not contained or controlled, and there is a possible threat to lives and homes as conditions continue to change.

The watch and act warning is in place for people in the area bounded by Muir Highway to the south, Eulup-Manurup Road to the east, Mitchell Road to the north and Boyup Road to the west in parts of Forrest Hill and Mt Barker.

WHAT TO DO

A Bushfire Watch and Act is in place for people in an area bounded by Muir Highway to the south, Eulup-Manurup Road to the east, Mitchell Road to the north and Boyup Road to the west in parts of FOREST HILL and MOUNT BARKER in the SHIRE OF PLANTAGENET.

• 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.
• Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins and outdoor furniture away from 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.