Mindarbin bushfire: Out-of-control blaze prompts three emergency warnings, too late for some to leave

A bushfire that burned through more than 5500ha in the Shire of Gnowangerup has been downgraded to a bushfire advice level and is stationary but not yet contained or controlled.

A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson confirmed favourable weather conditions from about 7pm on Tuesday night helped firefighters on the ground, who remain on the ground on Wednesday, strengthening containment lines and monitoring the blaze.

A single advice alert has been issued for people living in Jackitup, Mindarabin and Toompup, an area bounded by Tie Line Road, Chesterpass Road, O’Neill Road, Ongerup Creek, Hart Road, Gnowangerup-Jerramungup Road, Coromup Road and Hinkley Road.

More than 120 firefighters were desperately battling to stop the bushfire, sparked in Mindarabin on Tuesday afternoon, with erratic wind conditions making the fire unpredictable.

Camera IconFavourable weather conditions helped crews contain the blaze on Tuesday night. Credit: DFES

Residents in parts of Mindarabin were previously told at 2.16pm on Tuesday afternoon that it was too late to leave as the fire was blocking evacuation routes, but the threat was downgraded to a watch and act alert at 6.22pm.

The threat was downgraded again to an advice, and there is currently no threat to lives or homes.

The fire was reported to DFES at 12.18pm on Tuesday, near the corner of Hinkley and Mindarabin roads, and has burned through 5542ha.

A DFES spokesperson said the Shire of Gnowangerup was managing the fire, but DFES had sent 13 fire brigade crews as well as crews from the Gnowangerup State Emergency Service and farmer response units.

Four water bombers and an air attack supervisor plane were sent to the scene on Tuesday, but left the scene at dusk to return on Wednesday morning if needed.

Camera IconThe blaze was downgraded at 6.22pm on Tuesday. Credit: DFES

DFES could not yet confirm how the fire started.

Chesterpass Road between Nyabing-Pingrup Road and Magitup Roads remains closed on Wednesday morning.

The area was also advised to prepare for severe weather overnight on Tuesday, including thunderstorms, with localised damaging wind gusts expected.

Wind gusts of up 102km/h were recorded in Gnowangerup at 3pm on Tuesday.

Bushfire Advice – STAY INFORMED – JACKITUP, MINDARABIN and TOOMPUP

A Bushfire Advice is in place for people in the area bounded by Tie Line Road, Chesterpass Road, O’Neill Road, Ongerup Creek, Hart Road, Gnowangerup Jerramungup Road, Coromup Road and Hinkley Road in JACKITUP, MINDARABIN and TOOMPUP in the SHIRE OF GNOWANGERUP.

• There is no threat to lives or homes.

WHAT TO DO

• Continue to stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
• Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
• Be aware of other potential dangers such as falling trees and damaged properties and infrastructure.
• Close all doors and windows and stay inside if smoke is causing you concern.
• Be ready if the situation escalates. Read through your plan. If you do not have a plan, make one now on Emergency WA or in the Emergency WA app.

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.
• 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.