Relief for Collie as bushfire downgraded overnight

A bushfire burning in state forest nearly Collie has been downgraded to an advice.

Overnight winds have pushed the fire in a north-north-westerly direction away from properties.

There is no longer a threat to lives and homes but authorities are warning residents near the Collie townsite, Harris River State Forest and Muja State Forest to stay alert.

On Sunday, Australia's biggest firefighting aircraft, a Boeing 737, flew in from New South Wales to help with the Collie fire.

It has since burnt through 7500 hectares of land.

LATEST DFES ALERT:

Bushfire ADVICE for Harris River State Forest and Muja State Forest, north of Norm Road in the Shire of Collie

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for people in the vicinity of Harris River State Forest and Muja State Forest, north of Norm Road in the Shire of Collie .

• The alert level for this fire has been downgraded as winds overnight pushed the fire in a north-north-westerly direction away from private properties.
• There is no threat to lives or homes.
• There is a lot of smoke in the area.
• Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

WHAT TO DO:

• Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
• 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.
• Read through your bushfire survival plan.
• If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.

If driving

• Be extremely careful when driving through the area.
• 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.
• 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.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

• The bushfire is moving in a north-north-westerly direction.
• It is not contained and not controlled.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:

• Opossum Spring Road remains closed. Collie-Williams Road between Yourdamung Road and Quindanning-Darkan Road is now open.
• 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 www.mainroads.wa.gov.au OR SHIRE OF COLLIE.

SITE CLOSURES:

The following campsites remain closed:

• Possum Springs camp site
• Yourdamung camp site
• Harris Dam camp site 
• The Bibbulmun Track between Harvey Quindanning Road and Mornington Road is closed.
• The Arklow mountain bike trails are also closed.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

• Firefighters are on the scene, actively fighting the fire and establishing containment lines.
• Parks and Wildlife Service, Bush Fire Service, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service firefighters are attending.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

• The fire was reported at 12:44 PM on 14 December 2019.
• Currently there has been 7,400 hectares burnt.
• The cause of the fire is unknown.
• Parks and Wildlife Service is managing the fire.