Port Denison bushfire: Emergency order in place, people told to ‘leave now’ as blaze burns near Dongara

People south of Dongara have been told to leave the area now as a bushfire threatens lives and home.

Emergency WA issued the emergency bushfire warning at 4.32pm, alerting people bound by Kailis Drive, Stock Route Road and Quondong Road in Port Denison, Springfield and Yardarino to leave now if it is safe to do so.

“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes,” the warning stated.

“Homes in Teatree Grove and Springfield Grove are under threat by fire now.”

Aerial support has been sent to assist firefighters who are on the ground battling the blaze.

The bushfire is moving in a north-westerly direction.

A bushfire watch and act alert has also be issued for an area north of the emergency zone for people bound by Springfield Drive, Blenheim Road, Kailis Drive and the coastline.

Anyone in the emergency zone is urged to heed the following safety advice:

• 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 northerly direction.
• 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.

Bushfire updates can be found at Emergency WA.