Crossman bushfire: Emergency alert extended as fire rages near Boddington, Albany Highway closed

A stretch of Albany Highway in Crossman, near Boddington, has been closed and an evacuation warning issued as a bushfire burns in the area.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued an emergency warning at 1.19pm for those travelling on Albany Highway between Crossman Road and Wilkie Road.

The warning area was extended at 2pm, and then again at about 3.30pm to include the area bounded by Fuller Road, Fourteen Mile Brook Road, Lyons Road and Albany Highway in Crossman, Dwarda and Williams in the Shire of Boddington.

DFES urged anyone east of Albany Highway to evacuate in a northerly direction towards Wandering if it was safe to do so.

The fire poses an immediate threat to lives and homes as it is not contained nor controlled.

Firefighters are on scene actively fighting the fire, which is moving in a north easterly direction, and aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.

DFES has also warned residents in Wandering, north east of the fireground, to prepare to leave as the blaze moves in an easterly direction.

Albany Highway has been closed in both directions between Jarrahdale Road and the Williams townsite.

Two bushfire advice alerts are also in place for people in the area bounded by Wandering-Pingelly Road, Noombling-Norrine Road and Fourteen Mile Brook Road in parts of Wandering, Codjatotine and Dwarda in the Shire of Wandering, with a second advice in place for people in the vicinity of Albany Highway south of Wilkie Road and north of the Williams townsite.

Ronnie Delizo Atienza was with her family on the way to Boddington via Albany Highway when the fire forced them to turn around at about 1pm.

“We were quite worried when we saw the smoke covering the road so everyone decided to pull over and turn back,” she said.

“The firetrucks arrived in just a few minutes.

“We also saw one of the residents evacuating the area as the bushfire was near their residence.

“At first, we weren’t sure which alternative route to take, then bystanders were helping direct some of the cars to Boddington.”

The fire was reported just after noon on Thursday near Albany Highway and Crane Rise.

The cause has not yet been determined.

Bushfire Emergency Warning - LEAVE NOW - CROSSMAN, DWARDA and WILLIAMS

A Bushfire Emergency Warning is in place for people bounded by Fuller Road, Fourteen Mile Brook Road, Lyons Road and Albany Highway in CROSSMAN, DWARDA and WILLIAMS in the SHIRE OF BODDINGTON

• You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.

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.
• 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.
• If you are not at home, it is too dangerous to return.

SAFEST ROUTE

If it is safe to do so, people east of Albany Highway should leave in a northerly direction towards Wandering.

Bushfire Advice - MONITOR CONDITIONS - parts of WANDERING, CODJATOTINE and DWARDA

A Bushfire Advice is in place for people in the area bounded by Wandering-Pingelly Road, Noombling-Norrine Road and Fourteen Mile Brook Road in parts of WANDERING, CODJATOTINE and DWARDA in the SHIRE OF WANDERING

• There is no threat to lives or homes.

WHAT TO DO

• Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
• Read through your plan and decide what you will do if the situation gets worse. If you do not have a plan, make one now on Emergency WA, or in the Emergency WA app.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

Bushfire Advice - THREAT IS REDUCED - CROSSMAN and WILLIAMS

A Bushfire Advice is in place for people in the vicinity of Albany Highway, south of Wilkie Road and north of the Williams townsite.

• There is no threat to lives or homes.

WHAT TO DO

• The threat of the fire has reduced however you should take care in the area.
• Stay alert for potential dangers such as smoke and fallen trees and power poles.
• If you do not have a plan, make one now on Emergency WA, or in the Emergency WA app to stay safe in future emergencies.
• Be aware of emergency services and other support personnel working in the area.