An out-of-control bushfire is posing a serious threat to lives and homes in Western Australia's Shire of Dandaragan, prompting emergency services to issue urgent warnings to residents.
Emergency Alert for Dandaragan and Yathroo
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) escalated the danger level on Friday afternoon, issuing a Watch and Act alert at 4:19pm on 2 January 2026. The warning targets residents in the communities of Dandaragan and Yathroo, where a fast-moving blaze is burning out of control.
The fire is currently affecting the area bounded by Lupin Valley Road to the north, Rowes Road to the east, Bidgerabbie Road to the south, and Dandaragan Road to the west. Authorities report the fire is moving in a northerly direction, increasing the risk for properties in its path.
Critical Advice for Residents in the Fire's Path
DFES has issued specific and urgent instructions for people in the Watch and Act zone. The core message is to stay alert and be prepared to act immediately as conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
Key directives include:
- Monitor your surroundings continuously for changes in fire behaviour.
- Finalise your bushfire survival plan immediately. If you don't have one, create it now via the Emergency WA website or app.
- Prepare your emergency kit and have it ready to go.
- If you are not prepared to defend your property, or if you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.
- Residents who find it difficult to move quickly are advised that leaving early is the safest option.
- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke ingress.
- If you decide to stay and defend, you must be mentally and physically prepared with protective clothing and an independent water supply.
Bushfire Advice Alert for Wider Area
In addition to the critical Watch and Act warning, DFES has issued a separate bushfire advice alert for a larger surrounding area. This zone is bound by Rowes Road to the east, Dandaragan Road to the west, and Kayanaba Road to the north.
While there is currently no direct threat to lives or homes in this advisory area, residents are urged to stay vigilant. They are advised to watch for signs of fire such as smoke and flames, close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners while keeping water running through the system if possible.
DFES has also provided specific advice for motorists in the region. Drivers should turn their headlights on, proceed slowly, and watch for emergency services personnel. If visibility is reduced by smoke, drivers are instructed to pull over, keep their headlights and hazard lights on, and wait for conditions to clear.
The Shire of Dandaragan is managing the firefighting response to this incident. The emergency unfolds amid a severe heatwave forecast to blast Western Australia with temperatures soaring past 40 degrees Celsius, creating extreme fire danger conditions.
