Several suspicious bushfires lit in Rockingham overnight

Several suspicious bushfires have been lit in Rockingham overnight potentially putting lives and homes at risk.

The first was sparked around 11.39pm near the intersection of Lake Street and Fisher Street.

At one point, a watch and act alert was issued for nearby residents, urging them to leave their homes or get ready to defend them.

The alert has since been downgraded to an advice as the bushfire is now contained and under control.

Firefighters are patrolling the area and mopping up.

Around 2.24am, a second bushfire was lit near Christison Way and Gregson Street and an hour later another was sparked near Victoria Street and Lewington Street.

At 4.36am, firefighters were called out to another bushfire near Ennis Avenue and Dixon Road and then just eight minutes later a fifth fire was reported near Patterson Road and Merchant Drive.

Another two fires were then started, one near the Rockingham Golf Driving Range at 4.46am and another near Pickard Avenue and Tesla Road at 5.19am.

Authorities are urging anyone with information, Dashcam footage or CCTV footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

There are currently two bushfire advices in place for Rockingham.

LATEST DFES ALERTS:

Bushfire ADVICE for western part of ROCKINGHAM in CITY OF ROCKINGHAM

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire ADVICE is in place for people west of Caprice Pass and Belgravia Terrace in Rockingham in the CITY OF ROCKINGHAM.

• The alert level for this fire has been downgraded as the bushfire is controlled and contained.
• There is no threat to lives or homes.
• Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
• The fire started near the intersection of LAKE ST and FISHER ST in ROCKINGHAM.

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.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:

Some roads may be closed.

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 patrolling the area and mopping up.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

• The fire was reported at 11:39 PM on 30 January 2021.
• The cause of the fire is suspicious.
• DFES is managing the fire.

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Bushfire ADVICE for ROCKINGHAM in CITY OF ROCKINGHAM

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire ADVICE is in place for people parts of ROCKINGHAM and EAST ROCKINGHAM in the CITY OF ROCKINGHAM.

• 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.
• The fire started near the intersection of VICTORIA ST and LEWINGTON ST in ROCKINGHAM.

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:

• It is not contained or controlled.

Wind direction may change so please be vigilant and aware of your surroundings

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:

Some roads may be closed.

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.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

• The fire was reported at 03:39 AM on 31 January 2021.
• The cause of the fire is suspicious.
• DFES is managing the fire.