An update for the community from DFES

Fire Status

• Favourable weather overnight assisted ground crews to manage the fire. The fire is currently stationary.

• The wind today is expected to be south-south-easterly, potentially blowing the fire north-north-westerly if a breakout were to occur.

• Firefighters are continuing to conduct direct attack via actively fighting the fire and strengthening containment lines.

• The alert level remains at WATCH AND ACT for eastern parts of Fitzgerald River National Park, Cowerdup and the vicinity of Ravensthorpe.

• Hamersley Drive, West River Road and Moir Road are all closed to the boundary of Fitzgerald River National Park. The eastern part of Fitzgerald River National Park remains closed, including Four Mile and Hamersley Inlet campgrounds.

• The fire has burnt approximately 4300 hectares.

Current Warnings

• Bushfire Watch and Act is in place for people in the vicinity of COWERDUP and Moir Road, John Forrest Road and Marr Road in the eastern parts of FITZGERALD RIVER NATIONAL PARK, HOPETOUN and RAVENSTHORPE,

• Bushfire Advice is in place for people travelling along the South Coast Highway and including RAVENSTHORPE TOWNSITE and the areas to the east of the Culham Beach and west of Hamersley Inlet in FITZGERALD RIVER NATIONAL PARK near HOPETOUN.

Number of Properties Impacted

• There have been no confirmed property losses.

Community Assets Threatened or Impacted

• Firefighters are currently working to protect South Coast Highway and private property near West River. No community assets have been damaged by the fire.

• Care is being taken to protect the biodiversity values of Fitzgerald River National Park and prevent the spread of Phytophthera dieback disease.

Restricted Access Permits

• It is currently unsafe to enter the area affected by the bushfire.

• If you require emergency access, please contact the Shire of Ravensthorpe who will contact the Incident Management Team on your behalf. Ph: (08) 9839 0000.

Weather Outlook

• The forecast for today is maximum of 25°. Winds are expected to be tending south-south-east for the duration of the day, with gusts up to 30km/h.

Planned Actions

• 55 firefighters in trucks from DFES, DBCA and Local Government are active on the ground, as well as bulldozers and loaders.

• Aerial firefighting assets have been sent to assist ground crews including four water bombers and an air attack platform. Local firefighters are being supported by firefighters from across the State.

Contacts

PLEASE REFER TO EMERGENCY WA FOR CURRENT UPDATES ON THE FIRES

• DFES information line 13 3337

• DFES website www.dfes.wa.gov.au

• Local ABC Ravensthorpe ABC 105.9 AM