Fire crews battle Forrest Highway blaze

The Forrest Highway has reopened following a bushfire in West Coolup.

The blaze started around 9.55am on Sunday.

Firefighters remain at the scene.

LATEST DFES ALERT:

Bushfire ADVICE for people travelling along FORREST HIGHWAY in WEST COOLUP in the SHIRE OF MURRAY

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire ADVICE is in place for people travelling along FORREST HIGHWAY in WEST COOLUP in the SHIRE OF MURRAY.

• 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 BELTANA RD and SOUTH COAST HWY in COOMALBIDGUP.

WHAT TO DO:

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.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:

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

• Forrest Highway northbound is reduced to one lane with reduced speed

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.
• 30 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service firefighters are attending.

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.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

• The fire was reported at 09:55 AM on 2 April 2023.
• Shire of Murray is managing the fire

11:08 AM -Bushfire ADVICE for people travelling along FORREST HIGHWAY in WEST COOLUP in the SHIRE OF MURRAY: https://t.co/ZSEIQDbkiJ

— DFES (@dfes_wa) April 2, 2023