Home

Bushfire emergency as out of control blaze closes Cape Leveque Road, cuts off beachside Broome community

Sam JonesBroome Advertiser
A bushfire emergency has been declared on the outskirts of Broome, including for people living in Coconut Wells.
Camera IconA bushfire emergency has been declared on the outskirts of Broome, including for people living in Coconut Wells. Credit: Broome Advertiser

Update: The Department of Fire and Emergency Services have services downgraded their fire-danger warning for the blaze to a watch and act alert.

It remains out of control and can still pose a threat to lives and homes.

An out-of-control bushfire north of Broome has forced the closure of Cape Leveque Road, cutting off remote communities on the Dampier Peninsula and threatening homes on the outskirts of town.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services declared a bushfire emergency on the outskirts of Broome on Friday for an area bound by McGuigan Road, Broome-Cape Leveque Road and Broome Road, including people in Coconut Wells.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

People in the area have been urged to find shelter immediately, as it is too late to evacuate.

“You need to shelter in your home in a room away from the fire front and make sure you can easily escape,” A DFES statement said.

“You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you well before the flames reach you.”

A bushfire emergency has been declared on the outskirts of Broome, including for people living in Coconut Wells.
Camera IconA bushfire emergency has been declared on the outskirts of Broome, including for people living in Coconut Wells. Credit: Broome Advertiser

Residents in the vicinity are also being urged to close all door and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners.

Bilingurr and residents of western parts of Roebuck are also being advised to keep up to date with information.

The fire started near the Cape Leveque Road intersection before 11am Friday, is burning in a north-westerly direction and is out of control and unpredictable.

Broome-Cape Leveque Road and McGuigan Road have been closed.

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

The latest road information can be found on Main Roads WA by visiting the Main Roads travel map or calling 138 138.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails