WA Bushfire: West River and Fitzgerald residents urged to still be alert as warning downgraded

A fire in West River and Fitzgerald has been downgraded after residents were earlier urged to leave their homes as the large uncontrolled bushfire moved north-west rapidly.

Sparked in a paddock about 1.10pm on Wednesday, the blaze resulted in an emergency warning for those in the area bounded by West River Road, Old Ongerup Road and Fitzgerald Road in Fitzgerald and West River in the Shire of Ravensthorpe.

The warning was downgraded an advice level just before 7pm, however, residents were still warned to stay alert.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services say the blaze has been contained but is not yet under control.

A watch and act alert issued at 2.38pm has expanded to include an area bounded by Fitzgerald Road, Malley Road, Koornong Road, Old Ongerup Road, Hamersley Drive, West River Road and South Coast Highway in West River and West Fitzgerald.

The advice spans the shires of Ravensthorpe and Jerramungup.

Two water bombers were on their way to the area to assist ten ground crews from multiple brigades just before 5pm.

A DFES spokesperson said there are about 50 career and volunteer firefighters working alongside farmers to contain the fire.

A section of South Coast Highway between West River Road and Fitzgerald Road has been closed in both directions, with DFES warning drivers to avoid the area and drive carefully in the smoke.

The bushfire is stationary and the cause of the fire has been deemed accidental.

DFES confirmed the blaze was not a re-ignition of the large bushfire in the same area, which was extinguished by firefighters last week, and that it was a completely separate incident.

Police are on the scene to help with road closures.

The latest fire comes just over a week after after a fatal blaze burnt more than 4500ha in the Shire of Ravensthorpe.

Deputy president Mark Mudie died during the December 1 fire while trying to protect his property.

BUSHFIRE ADVICE - MONITOR CONDITIONS - WEST RIVER, FITZGERALD, and WEST FITZGERALD

WHAT TO DO

• Continue to stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
• Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
• Be aware of other potential dangers such as falling trees and damaged properties and infrastructure.
• Close all doors and windows and stay inside if smoke is causing you concern.
• Be ready if the situation escalates. Read through your plan. If you do not have a plan, make one now on Emergency WA or in the Emergency WA app.

IF DRIVING

• 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.