Emergency level fire in Kalgan and Napier given the all-clear

An emergency-level bushfire in parts of Kalgan and Napier was given the all-clear at 11.31am on Monday after firefighters worked into the night on Sunday to contain the blaze.

The fire started near Churchlane Road in Kalgan on Sunday afternoon and burnt 63 hectares.

It was reported at 3.18pm, causing concern amidst a severe weather warning as wind speeds got as high as 65kmph.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services raised the threat level to emergency at 3.55pm, warning anyone in the area to act immediately to survive.

Just over an hour and a half later, ember and spot fires were appearing 500 metres ahead of the fire as it travelled in a south-easterly direction.

An evacuation centre at Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre for people fleeing area was opened at 6.14pm but was closed about an hour later as the fire was contained.

By 7.30pm, the fire had been contained, but not controlled, with 63 hectares burnt.

The fire continued to move slowly in a south to south easterly direction with City of Albany personnel and 30 Bush Fire Service firefighters on the scene on Sunday evening and was downgraded to watch and act by 10.43am the following morning.

Speed reductions in place between Mead Road and Weeldon Road have been lifted but motorists are advised to continue to exercise caution due to smoke and emergency services personnel working in the area.

The affected area was bounded by Churchlane Road to the east, Baker Junction Reserve to the west and South Coast Highway to the south.