Kalamunda bushfire: Leave immediately as there is a threat to lives and homes

A bushfire that started in the early hours of New Year’s Day is posing a threat to lives and homes in the Perth Hills, with about 150 firefighters trying to bring the blaze under control.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises that if you live in the Kalamunda and Maida Vale areas, you are in danger and must act immediately.

If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place. This may be with family or friends away from the area.

If it is safe to do so, leave in a westerly direction toward Hawtin Road via Maud or Norwood Roads.

Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger. Take your emergency kit with you.

If you become stuck in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself with a woollen blanket, get onto the floor as the windows may break from the intense heat.

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.

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

Go to a room in your home where you can shelter from the approaching fire. The room should have running water, such as a kitchen or laundry, and have a clear exit so you can easily escape.

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

An evacuation centre has been set up at the High Wycombe Community and Recreation Centre.

As well as firefighters, there are also about 70 appliances on the ground fighting the blaze.

WARNING

• A Bushfire Emergency Warning is in place for people in an area bounded by Norwood Road, Taylor Road, Colac Place, Bird Road, Alpine Road, Wandoo Road, Holmes Road, Anderson Road and Hawtin Road in parts of Maida Vale, Forrestfield and Kalamunda in the City of Kalamunda.
• You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.

SECOND WARNING

• A Bushfire Watch and Act is in place for people in an area bounded by Roe Highway, Hawtin Road and Sultana Road East in parts of Maida Vale in the City of Kalamunda.
• There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and conditions are changing.

WHAT TO DO

• Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
• Read through your plan and decide what you will do if the situation gets worse. If you do not have a plan, make one now on Emergency WA, or in the Emergency WA app.
• 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.
• Avoid smoke and stay inside if smoke is causing you concern.
• 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.

IF DRIVING

• 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.

EVACUATION CENTRE

Evacuation Centre open at High Wycombe Community and Recreation Centre

• The Department of Communities has set up an evacuation centre at High Wycombe Community and Recreation Centre, 200 Newburn Road, High Wycombe.
• Please take any essential items such as medications and identification to the evacuation centre.
• Pets (except recognised assistance animals) are not allowed inside evacuation centres for health and safety reasons, so you should make alternative arrangements for them.

SAFEST ROUTE

If you live in the Emergency Warning area, if safe to do so leave in a westerly direction toward Hawtin Road via Maud or Norwood Roads.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR

• The bushfire is moving in a northerly direction.

• It is not contained or controlled.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS

A number of roads have been closed including:

• Harbour Road
• Temby Road
• Holmes Road

Motorists are asked to reduce speed, drive carefully and be aware of emergency services personnel working along roads. 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.

KEEP UP TO DATE

• Visit Emergency WA or download the Emergency WA app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Call 13 DFES (13 3337).
• Follow DFES on Facebook.
• 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.