WA Bushfire: West River and Fitzgerald residents urged to still be alert as warning downgraded

A fire in West River and Fitzgerald has been downgraded to a watch and act after residents were earlier urged to leave their homes as the large uncontrolled bushfire moved north-west rapidly.

Sparked in a paddock about 1.10pm on Wednesday, the blaze resulted in an emergency warning for those in the area bounded by West River Road, Old Ongerup Road and Fitzgerald Road in Fitzgerald and West River in the Shire of Ravensthorpe.

The warning was downgraded to a watch and act just after 5pm, however, residents were still warned there was a possible threat to lives and homes.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services say the blaze has been contained but is not yet under control.

A watch and act alert issued at 2.38pm has expanded to include an area bounded by Fitzgerald Road, Malley Road, Koornong Road, Old Ongerup Road, Hamersley Drive, West River Road and South Coast Highway in West River and West Fitzgerald.

The advice spans the shires of Ravensthorpe and Jerramungup.

Two water bombers were on their way to the area to assist ten ground crews from multiple brigades just before 5pm.

A DFES spokesperson said there are about 50 career and volunteer firefighters working alongside farmers to contain the fire.

A section of South Coast Highway between West River Road and Fitzgerald Road has been closed in both directions, with DFES warning drivers to avoid the area and drive carefully in the smoke.

The bushfire is moving in a north westerly direction and the cause of the fire has been deemed accidental.

DFES confirmed the blaze was not a re-ignition of the large bushfire in the same area, which was extinguished by firefighters last week, and that it was a completely separate incident.

Police are on the scene to help with road closures.

The latest fire comes just over a week after after a fatal blaze burnt more than 4500ha in the Shire of Ravensthorpe.

Deputy president Mark Mudie died during the December 1 fire while trying to protect his property.

Bushfire Watch and Act - MONITOR CONDITIONS - WEST RIVER and WEST FITZGERALD

WHAT TO DO

• Stay alert and monitor your surroundings as conditions could change.
• You may need to act quickly so ensure you are prepared if the situation gets worse.
• Read through your plan. If you do not have a plan, make one now on Emergency WA or in the Emergency WA app.
• Have your emergency kit ready.
• If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.
• If you find it hard to move quickly, leaving now is your safest option.
• Keep your doors and windows closed to keep out smoke.
• Continue to patrol your property and be ready to put out spot fires.
• If you plan to stay and defend ensure you are mentally and physically prepared, with protective clothing and an independent water supply.