Uncontrolled scrub fire in Forest Hill sparks watch and act alert with residents told to prepare to leave

Residents in Forest Hill and parts of Mt Barker have been told to prepare to leave due to a scrub fire that broke out on Saturday afternoon.

The fire was reported at 12:09pm near Pavlovich and Whitworth roads and sparked a watch and act alert at 1.35pm.

A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said four firefighting crews are on the scene, and aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.

The fire is not contained or controlled, and there is a possible threat to lives and homes as conditions continue to change.

The bushfire is moving in a northerly direction.

The watch and act warning is in place for people in an area bound by Sturdee Road, Albany Highway, Muir Highway and Boyup Road in eastern parts of Forest Hill and north western parts of Mt Barker.

An advice alert is in place for people in an area bound by Sturdee Road, Boyup Road, Beattie Road, Hobbs Road, Carbarup Road, Crockerup Road and Albany Highway in eastern parts of Forest Hill, southern parts of Kendenup and northern parts of Mt Barker.

Quangellup Road, Brunton Road, Mitchell Road and Eulup-Manurup Road between Sturdee Road and Mitchell Road have been closed.

Bushfire Watch and Act - PREPARE TO LEAVE - eastern parts of FOREST HILL and north western parts of MOUNT BARKER

A Bushfire Watch and Act is in place for people in an area bound by Sturdee Road, Albany Highway, Muir Highway and Boyup Road in eastern parts of FOREST HILL and north western parts of MOUNT BARKER in the SHIRE OF PLANTAGENET

• There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and conditions are changing.

WHAT TO DO

• If your plan is to leave, leave now.
• Take your emergency kit with you. It should include an AM/FM radio that runs off batteries, a first aid kit, a woollen blanket, phones, protective clothing, medication and irreplaceable valuables.
• Decide where you will go and how you will get there. This could be with family or friends away from the fire.
• Keep your doors and windows closed to keep out smoke.
• Turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible to prevent embers entering your home.
• Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins and outdoor furniture away from your home.
• If you plan to stay and defend ensure you are mentally and physically prepared, with protective clothing and an independent water supply. Make final preparations now and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.

Bushfire Advice - STAY INFORMED - eastern parts of FOREST HILL, southern parts of KENDENUP and northern parts of MOUNT BARKER

A Bushfire Advice is in place for people in an area bound by Sturdee Road, Boyup Road, Beattie Road, Hobbs Road, Carbarup Road, Crockerup Road and Albany Highway in eastern parts of FOREST HILL, southern parts of KENDENUP and northern parts of MOUNT BARKER in the SHIRE OF PLANTAGENET

• There is no threat to lives or homes.

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.