Forest Grove and Bornup bushfire: Threat to lives and homes as blaze burns south of Margaret River

A bushfire emergency warning has been issued for people living in an area of Forest Grove, less than 15 kilometres south of Margaret River, with lives and homes under threat.

Residents in the area between Robinson Road, Forest Grove Road, Bussell Highway and Sebbes Road have been instructed to leave immediately to survive as lives are in danger.

Emergency WA advised residents about 5.20pm to evacuate in a northerly direction on Bussell Highway if it is safe to do so.

The blaze is contained but not controlled, and is moving in a north-westerly direction.

It is not safe to return for residents who are not at home.

FIrefighters are on the scene and are being assisted by waterbombers.

Bussell Highway between Calgardup and Sebbes Roads has been closed.

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.
• If it is safe to do so, leave in a northerly direction on Bussell Highway.
• 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.

Residents in the area between Bussell Highway, Calgardup Road, Thompson Road, Redgate Road, Davis Road, Brooks Road, and Warner Glen Road have also been issued a Watch and Act for the bushfire, including parts of the Witchcliffe townsite.

Emergency WA have advised residents that there is a possible threat to lives and homes in this area, and to leave now if you are not prepared for a bushfire emergency.

WHAT TO DO

• If your plan is to leave, leave now.
• Take your emergency kit with you. It should include an AM/FM radio that runs off batteries, a first aid kit, a woollen blanket, phones, protective clothing, medication and irreplaceable valuables.
• Decide where you will go and how you will get there. This could be with family or friends away from the fire.
• Keep your doors and windows closed to keep out smoke.
• Turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible to prevent embers entering your home.
• Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins and outdoor furniture away from your home.
• If you plan to stay and defend ensure you are mentally and physically prepared, with protective clothing and an independent water supply. Make final preparations now and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.