Warradarge bushfire: Emergency warning issued, residents urged to act now to survive

An army of firefighters and emergency services are battling to get the upper hand on an out-of-control blaze burning northeast of Jurien Bay with residents warned that their lives and homes are at risk.

The Department of Fire an Emergency Services is warning anyone in the Warradarge townsite that they are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.

The emergency warning covers the Brand Highway to the east, Corrow-Green Head Road to the south, to the Nature Reserve and West and the intersection of Brand Highway and Beros Road.

The Brand Highway remains closed between Indian Ocean Drive and Jurien Road, there are also a number of local road closures.

Close to 150 emergency services personnel are responding to the incident.

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 an easterly direction along Coorow-Green Head Road or south down Brand 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.