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Bushfire emergency warning issued for Oakford, Casuarina, Anketell and Oldbury

The West Australian
The bushfire in Oakford which is threatening homes taken from the Kwinana Freeway.
Camera IconThe bushfire in Oakford which is threatening homes taken from the Kwinana Freeway. Credit: The West Australian

A bushfire emergency warning has been issued with lives and homes under threat in Perth’s southern suburbs.

Residents in Oakford, Casuarina, The Spectacles, Mandogalup, Banjup, Hammond Park, Bertram, Forrestdale, Aubin Grove, Wandi, Wellard, Anketell and Oldbury are being urged to act immediately to survive.

The emergency warning is for people in an area bounded by Rowley Road, Kwinana Freeway, Mortimer Road, King Road and Thomas Road.

It is understood more than one structure has been lost.

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An evacuation centre has been established at Briggs Park Pavilion on the corner of Mead Street and and Gordin Way in Byford.

Social visits to Casuarina Prison have been cancelled. At this time, the bushfire is not posing a direct threat to the prison but it is being closely monitored, a Department of Justice spokesperson said.

DFES has established a command post in the visitor carpark.

The emergency warning area.
Camera IconThe emergency warning area. Credit: DFES

A number of roads have been closed including:

  • Anketell Road from Kwinana Freeway to Thomas Road
  • Thomas Road from Anketell Road to Bombay Boulevard
  • Tuart Road from Anketell Road to Thomas Road
  • Cumming Road between Orton Road and Thomas Road
  • King Road between Orton Road and Thomas Road

WHAT TO DO:

  • If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.
  • Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.
  • Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
  • If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home.
  • Go to a room in your home away from the fire front and make sure you can easily escape.
  • Choose a room with two exits and water such as a kitchen or laundry.

Firefighters are on scene and water bombers are providing aerial support.

The bushfire is moving fast in a westerly direction. It is out of control and unpredictable.

Conditions are extremely difficult for fire crews, with easterly winds and a maximum temperature of 35C expected.

The fire started near the Modong Nature Reserve in Oakford and is moving in a westerly direction.

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