Kwinana Freeway bushfire downgraded, freeway reopens northbound

A bushfire believed to be started by a car fire on the Kwinana Freeway has been downgraded to a watch and act alert.

The blaze started on the Kwinana Freeway southbound near Karnup Road around 3.40pm on Monday.

A watch and act is currently in place for people in the area of Karnup Road, Young Road and Kwinana Freeway.

The bushfire is now stationary, but is not controlled or contained.

The Kwinana Freeway is closed southbound from Safety Bay Road to Karnup Road.

Northbound lanes have reopened. 

LATEST DFES ALERT:

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for eastern parts of BALDIVIS in the CITY OF ROCKINGHAM

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT is in place for people in the vicinity of Karnup Road, Young Road and Kwinana Freeway southbound in eastern parts of BALDIVIS in the CITY OF ROCKINGHAM.

• The alert level for this fire has been downgraded as it is stationary.
• There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and the conditions are changing.
• The fire started near the intersection of KARNUP RD and KWINANA FWY in BALDIVIS.

WHAT TO DO:

• If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.
• If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.
• If you plan to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. You need to have access to an independent water supply, and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.
• At all times close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

If you are self-isolating or quarantining due to COVID-19 and plan to leave:

• Leave now and find alternative accommodation with family or friends who live away from the area.
• If you are unable to return to your quarantine location within one hour, telephone WA Police on 131 444 to advise them you have had to leave due to an emergency.
• Regardless of your location, continue to follow COVID-19 precautions and maintain appropriate physical distancing.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

• The bushfire is stationary.
• It is not contained or controlled.
• Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home. 

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.

A number of roads have been closed including:

• Kwinana Freeway southbound between Safety Bay Road and Karnup Road
• Young Road between Serpentine Road and Karnup Road

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 travelmap.mainroads.wa.gov.au or by contacting the CITY OF ROCKINGHAM.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

• Firefighters are on the scene, actively fighting the fire.
• 50 Career Fire and Rescue Service, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services firefighters are attending.
• WA Police and St John Ambulance are also in attendance.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

• The fire was reported at 03:40 PM on 11 January 2021.
• Currently there has been 8 hectares burnt.
• The cause of the fire is accidental.
• DFES is managing the fire