Out-of-control bushfire threatening lives, homes in Wooroloo in Perth’s east

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

The fire was reported about noon on Monday and is burning towards Toodyay Road.

Shire of Mundaring is managing the fire, with firefighters at the scene and are actively trying to contain the baze. Aerial support has been deployed to assist crews.

WHAT TO DO:

• For people East of Bailup Road, it’s too late to leave and leaving now would be deadly.
• You need to shelter in your home in a room away from the fire front and make sure you can easily escape.
• You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you well before the flames reach you.
• Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
• Choose a room with two exits and water such as a kitchen or laundry.
• If your home catches on fire and the conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt.
• Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and trousers, made from cotton or wool, and strong leather boots.
• For people West of Bailup Road, if you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear by travelling north along Bailup Road or Mayo Road.
• If you are self-isolating or quarantining due to COVID-19 – including all regions subject to lockdown restrictions:
  • Leave now, find alternative suitable premises and wear a mask.
  • If you are unable to return to your quarantine location within one hour, telephone WA Police on 131 444 to advise them you have had to leave due to an emergency.
  • Regardless of your location, continue to follow COVID-19 precautions and maintain appropriate physical distancing.

SAFEST ROUTE:

For people West of Bailup Road, if you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear by travelling north along Bailup Road or Mayo Road.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.

A number of roads have been closed including:

• Government Road at Needham Road
• Werribee Road at Cheddaring Road
• Bailup Road and Burma Road

Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke.

Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting travelmap.mainroads.wa.gov.au or by contacting the Shire of Mundaring.

DRONES AND AERIAL SUPPORT:

Never fly a drone, model aircraft or multirotor near bushfires. Doing so poses a major safety risk to firefighting personnel in the air and on the ground, and forces aircraft to be grounded or redirected, hindering firefighting efforts.

KEEP UP TO DATE:

Visit emergency.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter: twitter.com/dfes_wa, Facebook: facebook.com/dfeswa, listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR, or news bulletins.

During a power outage, your home phone, computer or other electronic devices connected to the NBN will not work. Include a battery powered radio in your emergency kit.