Scrub fire south of Mt Barker sparks bushfire advice for Albany Highway users as smoke impacts area

A bushfire advice is in place for people and a section of Albany Highway south of Mt Barker closed after a fire started in scrubland on the western side of the highway.

The fire was first reported to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services at about 1.38pm on Wednesday.

An advice alert was issued just before 2.30pm.

Four firefighting crews are on the scene fighting the fire with more on the way, and aerial support has also been sent to assist.

Police were also called to the scene just before 2pm to assist firefighting crews.

The fire started in scrubland near the intersection of Albany Highway and Watermans Road in the Shire of Plantagenet.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known.

The advice is in place for an area between the Mt Barker Saleyards and Watermans Road in Mt Barker and Narrikup in the Shire of Plantagenet.

DFES have confirmed there is no threat to lives of homes, but smoke is impacting Albany Highway.

Albany Highway between O’Neill Road and Spencer Road is closed.

Bushfire Advice - STAY INFORMED - MT BARKER and NARRIKUP

A Bushfire Advice is in place for people travelling along Albany Highway in an area between the Mount Barker sale yards and Watermans Road in MOUNT BARKER and NARRIKUP in the SHIRE OF PLANTAGENET.

• There is no threat to lives or homes.

• Smoke is impacting Albany Highway.

WHAT TO DO

• Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
• Read through your plan and decide what you will do if the situation gets worse. If you do not have a plan, make one now on Emergency WA, or in the Emergency WA app.
• 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.
• 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.

If driving

• 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.