Fire crews mopping up and patrolling hotspots of Bannister bushfire that closed stretch of Albany Highway

A stretch of Albany Highway near Bannister is under speed restrictions due to a bushfire that is causing extensive smoke in the area.

The bushfire was reported at about 1.59pm on Thursday and sparked an advice level warning from Department of Fire and Emergency Services soon after.

That warning was later downgraded to monitor conditions for people travelling on Albany Highway between Bannister Marradong Road and north of the Riverside Roadhouse in Bannister.

The warning area is in the Shire of Boddington and the Shire of Wandering.

In an update on Friday morning DFES said there is no threat to lives or homes but is a lot of smoke in the area.

The fire is contained and under control but there are some hotspots still burning near Albany Highway.

Speed restrictions are in place on Albany Highway between Bannister Marradong Road and north of the Riverside Roadhouse in Bannister and DFES ask motorists to adhere to Main Roads signage for the safety of emergency crews working in the area.

Boddington, Crossman and Wandering bushfire brigades have been in attendance and Parks and Wildlife crew are also on scene helping patrolling and mopping up the fire.

Shire of Boddington is managing the fire and the cause has been deemed accidental.

Initial reports said the bushfire was 200m x 200m in size and covered both sides of Albany Highway.

Albany Highway was closed between Plantation Road and Riverside Roadhouse when the bushfire advice was issued.

WHAT TO DO:

• Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
• Read through your bushfire plan and decide what you will do if the situation gets worse. You can make a plan by visiting My Bushfire Plan.
• 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.
• 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.