A fire that threatened homes near Tonkin Highway in Champion Lakes yesterday afternoon has escaped control, and been upgraded back to a Watch and Act for parts of Forrestdale, Champion Lakes, Southern River and Gosnells.
The warning area is for people bounded by Matison Street, Jacana Place, Chamberlain Street, Verna Street, Corfield Street, Tonkin Highway, Ranford Road and including Margaret Street.
If your plan is to leave, leave now. Take your emergency kit with you. It should include an AM/FM radio that runs off batteries (during a power outage, your home phone, computer or other electronic devices connected to the NBN will not work); a first aid kit, a woollen blanket, phones, protective clothing, medication and irreplaceable valuables.
The fire warning area at 10.30am (orange being Watch and Act level alert, yellow being Advice).Credit: DFES
Decide where you will go and how you will get there. This could be with family or friends away from the fire. Keep your doors and windows closed to keep out smoke. Turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible to prevent embers entering your home. Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins and outdoor furniture away from your home.
If you plan to stay and defend ensure you are mentally and physically prepared, with protective clothing and an independent water supply. Make final preparations now and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.
A Bushfire Advice is in place for people in an area bounded by Tonkin Highway, Albany Highway, Lake Road and Ranford Road in parts of Champion Lakes, Southern River and Gosnells in the Cities of Armadale and Gosnells.
This fire is now contained and under control with no threat remaining to lives or homes. People can return home as firefighters mop up but must stay alert and monitor surroundings.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully.
Owners or carers of livestock, pets and companion animals should activate their own animal welfare plan.
Keep up to date: visit Emergency WA, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Facebook, listen to Radio 6PR, ABC Local Radio or news bulletins.