Firefighters battle Wattleup bushfire

Firefighters are currently battling a bushfire in Wattleup.

It started around 5.30am near the intersection of Rockingham Road and Wattleup Road.

At this stage there is no threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.

A bushfire advice has been issued for nearby residents.

Rockingham Road is currently closed northbound from Cockburn Road to Wattleup Road.

LATEST DFES ALERT:

Bushfire ADVICE for parts of HENDERSON, NAVAL BASE and WATTLEUP in the CITY OF COCKBURN and CITY OF KWINANA 
ALERT LEVEL: 

A bushfire ADVICE is in place for people near Mt Brown in the Jandakot Regional Park, between Cockburn Road and Rockingham Road, in parts of HENDERSON, NAVAL BASE and WATTLEUP in the CITY OF COCKBURN and CITY OF KWINANA. 
•    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.
•    The fire started near the intersection of ROCKINGHAM RD and WATTLEUP RD in WATTLEUP.

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. You can make a plan by visiting My Bushfire Plan.

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.

COVID-19 
If you are told to leave in an emergency, don't stay at home even if you have COVID-19 or COVID-like symptoms.

You may stay at a friend or relative's house, an evacuation centre or other suitable accommodation.

If you have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19, take these steps to prevent spreading the illness if you can:
•    wear a mask around other people
•    wash your hands regularly
•    stay and sleep in a separate room
•    maintain physical distancing.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR: 
•    It is contained and under control.

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:
•    Rockingham Road in both directions between Cockburn Road and Wattleup 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 visiting the Main Roads Travel Map, calling 138 138 or by contacting your Local Government Authority.
ANIMAL WELFARE 
Owners or carers of livestock, pets and companion animals should activate their own animal welfare plan. During a bushfire take advice from Local Government Authorities to protect the lives of your animals while keeping yourself safe.

For more information on actions to take for each bushfire warning level, please see the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website. 

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING: 
•    Firefighters are on the scene, actively fighting the fire.
•    40 Career Fire and Rescue Service, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service firefighters are attending.

EXTRA INFORMATION: 
•    The fire was reported at 05:33 AM on 30 November 2022. 
•    Currently there has been 2.5 hectares burnt.
•    The cause of the fire is unknown.
•    People are asked to report any suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
•    DFES is managing the fire.