WA Bushfire: Accidental West River and Fitzgerald bushfire now contained and controlled after razing 500ha

Firefighters have successfully contained and controlled a large bushfire two days after it broke out in West River and Fitzgerald and sparked an emergency evacuation warning.

Sparked in a paddock about 1.10pm on Wednesday, the blaze resulted in an emergency warning for those in the area bounded by West River Road, Old Ongerup Road and Fitzgerald Road in Fitzgerald and West River in the Shire of Ravensthorpe.

The warning was downgraded to an advice level just before 7pm on Wednesday; however, residents were still warned to stay alert.

The advice alert remained in place on Friday for those bounded by Koornong Road, Old Ongerup Road, Fitzgerald Road, South Coast Highway and Mallee Road in parts of Fitzgerald, West Fitzgerald and West River.

The advice spans the shires of Ravensthorpe and Jerramungup.

Firefighters managed to contain the blaze at 6.40pm on Wednesday but did not manage to bring it under control until 10.19am on Friday.

The fire, which was previously moving north-west rapidly, is now stationary and razed about 500ha.

The cause of the blaze has been deemed accidental.

A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said there were up to 50 volunteer and career firefighters on the ground with local farmers, and two waterbombers working to get the blaze under control at its peak on Wednesday.

Firefighters remain on the scene patrolling the area and mopping up on Friday.

A section of South Coast Highway between West River Road and Fitzgerald Road was closed in both directions, before being re-opened on Wednesday night.

DFES confirmed the blaze was not a re-ignition of the large bushfire in the same area, which was extinguished by firefighters last week, and that it was a completely separate incident.

The latest fire comes just over a week after after a fatal blaze burnt more than 4500ha in the Shire of Ravensthorpe.

Deputy president Mark Mudie died during the December 1 fire while trying to protect his property.

BUSHFIRE ADVICE - MONITOR CONDITIONS - WEST RIVER, FITZGERALD, and WEST FITZGERALD

WHAT TO DO

• Continue to stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
• Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
• Be aware of other potential dangers such as falling trees and damaged properties and infrastructure.
• Close all doors and windows and stay inside if smoke is causing you concern.
• Be ready if the situation escalates. Read through your plan. If you do not have a plan, make one now on Emergency WA or in the Emergency WA app.

IF DRIVING

• 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.