Lightning strikes have caused fires to break out across the south of Perth.
A major fire was reported near Serpentine, Wilkinson, Young and Power roads in Hopeland about 2.40pm with police requested to attend about 15 minutes later.
Another blaze was reported in near Weld Street and Armadale Road Forrestdale about the same time.
Houses were reportedly under threat in Weld Street about 2.50pm.
Other fires were reported in Skeet Road, Piara Waters, Banjup, Wandi, Roleystone and Oakford.
A tree fire was reported in Seville Drive, Seville Grove.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services website has crashed intermittently, but the following warnings for two fires, Hopeland and Piara Waters/Forrestdale were issued:
ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people in the vicinity of Karnup Road and Serpentine Road in Hopeland in the Shire of Baldivis
• There is a possible threat to lives and homes as fire is approaching the area and conditions are changing.
• You need to leave or get ready to actively defend.
• The fire is burning towards the Kwinana Freeway.
• The bushfire is moving fast in a westerly direction.
• It is out of control and unpredictable.
• Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home. Spot fires are starting ahead of the fire.
• If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.
• There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.
• Do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.
• If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.
• Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.
• People in the area can leave via Serpentine Road in a northerly or southerly direction.
Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site
Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au.
• Fifty Bush Fire Service firefighters are one the scene.
• Firefighters are protecting homes in the area.EXTRA INFORMATION:
• The fire was reported at 1.58pm today.
• The cause of the fire is thought to be lightning.
• DFES is managing the fire.
Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa, listen to ABC local radio, 6PR or news bulletins.
A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people in the vicinity of the intersection of Nicholson Road and Armadale Road, to the intersection of Nicholson Road and Swamp Road, Piara Waters and Forrestdale, in the City of Armadale.
• There is a possible threat to lives and homes as there are several fires burning in the area and conditions are changing.
• You need to leave or get ready to actively defend.
• There are several fires burning in the area.
BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:
• The bushfires are out of control and unpredictable.
• Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home.
WHAT TO DO:
• If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.
• There may be ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.
• Do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.
• If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.
SAFER PLACE:
• Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.
ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for people in surrounding areas of Piara Waters and Forrestdale.
Although there is no immediate danger for people in these areas you need to be aware and keep up to date.
WHAT TO DO:
• Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
• Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
• Read through your bushfire survival plan.
• If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.
ROAD CLOSURES:
Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site
WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:
• Firefighters are on the scene working to contain the fires.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa, listen to ABC local radio or news bulletins.
Updates will be provided every two hours unless the situation changes.
