A significant bushfire emergency is unfolding south of Perth, with authorities urging residents in several suburbs to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice.
Urgent Warning Issued for Rockingham Area
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) escalated the situation on Monday evening, issuing a formal 'prepare to leave' bushfire warning at 7:52pm. The alert covers sections of the communities of Cooloongup, Safety Bay, Waikiki, and Warnbro. Officials state the blaze poses a possible threat to both lives and homes, with fire conditions described as changing rapidly.
Local resident Jayda Hall captured the intensity of the situation, sharing a video on Facebook that showed a 'massive' fire burning along Safety Bay Road. The footage provided a stark visual of the blaze's scale, highlighting the urgent nature of the DFES warning for locals in its path.
Road Closures and Fire Movement
The fire is reported to be moving fast in a north westerly direction. In response, emergency services have closed several key roads to ensure public safety and allow firefighting operations to proceed unimpeded.
The major closure is Safety Bay Road from Baldivis Road to Ennis Avenue. Additionally, Ennis Avenue is shut between Wilmott Drive and Royal Palm Drive. DFES has advised motorists to completely avoid the affected area. Those who must travel nearby are instructed to reduce speed and drive with extreme caution due to likely smoke, emergency vehicles, and potential hazards.
What Residents Must Do Now
The DFES warning carries clear and critical instructions for those in the warning zone. If your bushfire survival plan is to leave, you should leave now. Do not wait for the situation to worsen.
When evacuating, take your prepared emergency kit with you. This kit should include essential items such as:
- A battery-powered AM/FM radio for updates.
- A comprehensive first aid kit.
- Protective woollen blankets.
- Mobile phones and chargers.
- Sturdy protective clothing.
- Necessary medications and irreplaceable valuables.
Residents must decide in advance where they will go and how they will get there. A safe location could be with family or friends well away from the fire zone.
For those who are physically and mentally prepared to stay and actively defend their property, final preparations must be made immediately. This includes:
- Wearing protective clothing.
- Ensuring an independent water supply is ready.
- Starting to patrol your property to extinguish any spot fires or embers.
All residents, whether leaving or staying, should keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke from entering homes. Those with evaporative air conditioners should turn them off, but if possible, keep water running through the system to help stop embers from being drawn inside.
The community is urged to stay informed through official DFES channels and local ABC radio for the latest updates on this developing bushfire incident.
