Fire Update: Water Shortage in Mullewa

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*Please note a WATER section has been added.

The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

Time of issue: 5.00pm
Date of issue: 17 February 2016

Bushfire ADVICE for the northern part of Eradu South in the City of Greater Geraldton

ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire ADVICE remains for people near Geraldton Mount Magnet Road in the northern part of Eradu South in the City of Geraldton.

  • There is no threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.
  • Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
  • The fire is burning in bushland near Geraldton Mount Magnet Road, the closest intersection is Eradu Road South.
  • Smoke is impacting Geraldton Mount Magnet Road. 

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

  • The fire has broken containment lines on the western side of the fire. 
  • The fire is moving fast in a north easterly direction.
  • The bushfire is out of control and unpredictable. 

WHAT TO DO:

  • Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
  • 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.
  • Read through your bushfire survival plan.
  • If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.

IF DRIVING:

  • Be extremely careful when driving through the area.
  • 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.

ROAD CLOSURES:

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

The Geraldton Mount Magnet Road is closed between Moonyoonooka Yuna Road and Mingenew Mullewa Road.

Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au.

 

WATER

The fire has caused a power outage to Water Corporation’s borefield, which supplies drinking water to Mullewa.

Power has now been restored but the tanks that supply drinking water to the town are now low.

Mullewa residents are encouraged to be careful of their non-essential water use over the next 48 hours.

Please avoid using water outside the home on gardens, and try to conserve water indoors if possible.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

  • 25 career and volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and Bush Fire Service firefighters are on the scene.
  • Firefighters are building and strengthening containment lines. 


EXTRA INFORMATION:

  • The incident was reported at 6.26pm 15 February 2016.
  • The fire has burnt approximately 800 hectares. 
  • The cause of the fire is unknown.
  • The City of Geraldton is managing the fire.

KEEP UP TO DATE:

Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.

The next update will be provided by 11am tomorrow, unless the situation changes.

END

Media Contact: DFES Media and Corporate Communications on 9225 5955.