Chapman Valley fire: Residents in Bowes, Howatharra, Oakajee told to evacuate as bushfire takes over

Residents in Bowes, Howatharra and Oakajee are being urged to evacuate as a bushfire takes hold, endangering lives and homes.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services sent out the emergency warning about 1pm on Saturday.

People in the area bound by Starling Road, Oakajee Road and Olsen Road including North West Coastal Highway in parts of Bowes, Howatharra and Oakajee, in the Chapman Valley and Northampton shires should leave now in a southerly or northerly direction along North West Coastal Highway if safe to do so.

“Homes north and south of North West Coastal Highway between Nanson Howatharra Road and Coronation Beach Road are under threat by fire now,” a DFES alert said.

“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.”

Firefighting crews are on the scene battling the fire, with two fire-bomber planes among the aerial support dispatched from Geraldton to assist crews on the ground.

Ground crews are facing tough conditions as the temperature reached about 32C by 2pm, with wind gusts up to 43km/h threatening to derail firefighting efforts.

The out-of-control blaze is moving fast in a north-easterly direction, prompting DFES to issue “Watch and Act” advice north of the emergency area at 2pm.

People in the area bound by Starling Road, Oakabella Road and Oakabella East Road including North West Coastal Highway in parts of Bowes and Howatharra should prepare to leave.

“There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and conditions are changing,” DFES said.

North West Coastal Highway has been closed between the 440 Roadhouse and Northampton Roadhouse.

What to do - emergency:

• If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place. This may be with family or friends away from the area.
• If it is safe to do so, leave in a northerly or southerly direction on North West Coastal Highway.
• Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger.
• Take your emergency kit with you.
• If you become stuck in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself with a woollen blanket, get onto the floor as the windows may break from the intense heat.
• Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home.
• You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you before the flames reach you.
• Go to a room in your home where you can shelter from the approaching fire.
• The room should have running water, such as a kitchen or laundry, and have a clear exit so you can easily escape.
• If you are not at home, it is too dangerous to return.

What to do - watch and act:

• 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, a first aid kit, a woollen blanket, phones, protective clothing, medication and irreplaceable valuables.
• 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.