Key Takeaways
- A bushfire watch and act warning has been issued for residents in parts of Aubin Grove and Banjup due to a possible threat to lives and homes.
- The fire is burning in the area of Beenyup Road in Banjup and remains uncontrolled.
- Residents are advised to leave the area immediately if unprepared, and those who plan to stay and defend their homes must be mentally and physically prepared with protective clothing and an independent water supply.
- A separate advice warning is in place for parts of Jandakot, Treeby, and west of the fire in Aubin Grove, where residents are advised to keep doors and windows closed due to the large amount of smoke in the area.
Introduction to the Bushfire
The residents of Aubin Grove and Banjup have been warned to leave their homes immediately if they are unprepared, as a bushfire poses a possible threat to lives and homes. The fire was reported near Beenyup Road in Banjup at around 2:40 pm on Thursday, and multiple water bombers were sent to fight the fire. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issued a watch and act warning for the area, urging residents to take immediate action to protect themselves and their properties.
Watch and Act Warning
The watch and act warning is in place for people south of Armadale Road, east of Tapper Road, west of Liddlelow Road, and north of Coffey Road in parts of Aubin Grove and Banjup in the City of Cockburn. The warning states that there is a possible threat to lives and homes as the fire is burning in the area and conditions are changing. Residents are advised to leave the area in a westerly direction, and Gibbs Road has been closed as emergency services remain at the scene. The warning also emphasizes the importance of having a plan in place, deciding where to go and how to get there, and leaving now if that is the chosen course of action.
Preparations for Staying and Defending
For residents who plan to stay and defend their homes, the warning alert provides specific guidance. It advises them to ensure they are mentally and physically prepared, with protective clothing and an independent water supply. Residents are also urged to make final preparations now and start patrolling their property to put out spot fires. This emphasizes the importance of being proactive and prepared in the face of a bushfire, rather than waiting for the fire to reach their property.
Separate Advice Warning
A separate advice warning is in place for parts of Jandakot, Treeby, and west of the fire in Aubin Grove. Residents in these areas are advised to keep doors and windows closed due to the large amount of smoke in the area. This warning is intended to protect residents from the potential health risks associated with bushfire smoke, which can be hazardous to breathe. By keeping doors and windows closed, residents can help minimize their exposure to the smoke and reduce the risk of health problems.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the bushfire in Aubin Grove and Banjup poses a significant threat to lives and homes, and residents are advised to take immediate action to protect themselves and their properties. The watch and act warning provides clear guidance on what residents should do, whether that is leaving the area or staying and defending their homes. By following this guidance and taking proactive steps, residents can help minimize the risk of injury or property damage. The situation is being closely monitored by emergency services, and residents are advised to stay informed and follow any further instructions or updates.