An urgent bushfire emergency warning has been declared for residents in the Forest Grove and Bornup areas, situated less than fifteen kilometres south of the popular Margaret River region in Western Australia. Authorities have confirmed that lives and homes are under direct threat from the fast-moving blaze, which remains uncontained and uncontrolled.
Immediate Evacuation Orders Issued
Emergency services have instructed residents living within the bounded area between Bussell Highway, Sebbes Road, Caves Road, and Calgardup Road to leave immediately to ensure their survival. The situation is extremely dangerous, and delaying evacuation could prove fatal.
If it is safe to do so, evacuees are advised to travel in a northerly direction along Bussell Highway to reach safer ground. For those who are not currently at home, it is emphatically not safe to return to the affected zone under any circumstances.
Fire Behaviour and Response Efforts
The bushfire is actively burning and moving in a north-westerly direction, posing a significant and unpredictable risk. Firefighters are currently on the scene battling the flames, with aerial support from waterbombers assisting in containment efforts. Despite these measures, the fire is not yet under control.
Critical Safety Instructions for Residents
For individuals in the immediate danger zone, the primary directive is clear: if your path is clear, leave now for a safer location. This could be with family or friends situated well away from the fire-affected area.
Essential steps to take if evacuating:
- Do not wait and see; leaving at the last minute is perilous.
- Take your pre-prepared emergency kit with you.
- If you become trapped in your vehicle, park away from vegetation, cover yourself with a woollen blanket, and get onto the floor as windows may shatter from intense heat.
If you cannot leave and must shelter in place:
- Close all doors and windows immediately.
- Turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
- You must shelter before the fire arrives, as extreme radiant heat can be lethal before flames reach you.
- Choose a room with running water, like a kitchen or laundry, and ensure it has a clear exit for potential escape.
Watch and Act Alert for Expanded Area
A separate Watch and Act alert has been issued for residents in the broader area bounded by Bussell Highway, Calgardup Road, Thompson Road, Redgate Road, Davis Road, Brooks Road, and Warner Glen Road. This includes parts of the Witchcliffe townsite.
Emergency WA has warned that there is a possible threat to lives and homes in this zone. Residents here who are not fully prepared for a bushfire emergency should leave immediately.
Preparatory actions for those in the Watch and Act zone:
- If your plan is to leave, depart now without delay.
- Ensure your emergency kit includes an AM/FM battery-powered radio, first aid supplies, a woollen blanket, phones, protective clothing, medications, and irreplaceable valuables.
- Plan your destination and route in advance.
- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke ingress.
- Move flammable items like doormats, bins, and outdoor furniture away from your home.
- If you intend to stay and defend your property, you must be mentally and physically prepared with protective gear and an independent water supply. Conduct final preparations and patrol your property to extinguish any spot fires.
The community is urged to stay informed through official channels and heed all instructions from emergency services as this volatile situation develops.
