Warradarge and Mindarra bushfire: Emergency warning issued, residents urged to act now to survive

An army of firefighters and emergency services are battling two out-of-control blazes burning northeast of Jurien Bay and Mindarra, with residents warned that their lives and homes are at risk.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is warning anyone in the Warradarge townsite that they are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.

The emergency warning covers the Brand Highway to the east, Coorow-Green Head Road to the south, the Nature Reserve and West and the intersection of Brand Highway and Beros Road.

Brand Highway remains closed between Indian Ocean Drive and Jurien Road, and there are also a number of local road closures.

Close to 150 emergency services personnel are responding to the incident, which was reportedly caused by lightning.

A second blaze north of Gingin in Mindarra, Mongumber, and Red Gully has also been issued, with firefighters and volunteer fire and rescue volunteers actively tackling the fire.

The bushfire is said to be moving in a fast southerly direction with aerial support being sent out to protect crews and homes. People have been advised to evacuate in an easterly direction towards Great Northern Highway if safe to do so.

The area at risk includes Rogers Road, Red Gully Road, Purser Road, Bindoon-Moora Road and Fynes Road. Mogumber Road West has been closed.

WHAT TO DO

• 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 an easterly direction along Coorow-Green Head Road or south down Brand 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.