The cause of today’s bushfire in Gelroup has been deemed accidental.
The fire was first reported at 9.27am, before spreading through bushland in the Shire of Capel.
Over fifty hectares have so far been burnt in the blaze.
ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for people in the area bounded by Gelorup Rise, Bussell Highway, Woods Road and Marchetti Road in the northern part of GELORUP in SHIRE OF CAPEL.
The alert level for this fire has been downgraded as the fire is now contained.
There is no threat to lives or homes.
There is a lot of smoke in the area.
Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
The fire started near MARCHETTI ROAD in GELORUP
WHAT TO DO:
Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.
Read through your bushfire survival plan.
If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.
If driving
Be extremely careful when driving through the area.
Turn your headlights on and drive slowly.
Watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.
If you cannot see clearly, pull over, keep your headlights and hazard lights on, and wait until the smoke clears.
If you have a respiratory condition and you have been affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.
BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:
The bushfire is moving slowly in a north easterly direction.
It is contained but not controlled.
ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:
Roads have not been closed.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke.
Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au OR SHIRE OF CAPEL.
WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:
Firefighters are on the scene, actively fighting the fire.
firefighters are attending.
Aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.
DRONES AND AERIAL SUPPORT:
Never fly a drone, model aircraft or multirotor near bushfires. Doing so poses a major safety risk to firefighting personnel in the air and on the ground, and forces aircraft to be grounded or redirected, hindering firefighting efforts.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
The fire was reported at 09:27 AM on 31 January 2019.
The shire of Capel is managing the fire.
Currently there has been 80 hectares burnt.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dfes_wa, Facebook: https://facebook.com/dfeswa/, listen to ABC Local Radio or listen to news bulletins.
Updates will be issued every hour unless the situation changes.