Roelands bushfire: Emergency warning issued as blaze threatens lives and homes near Bunbury

A bushfire is threatening lives and homes near Bunbury, with residents urged to act immediately to survive.

In an emergency bushfire warning issued at 4.57pm, Emergency WA alerted people in the area east of Waterloo Road and Livingstone Heights in Roelands to leave now if it safe to do so.

“The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as fire behaviour is increasing,” the warning reads.

“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.”

People are advised to leave the area along Waterloo Road and head north to Brunswick Junction.

An evacuation centre has been set up at the Leschenault Leisure Centre on Leisure Drive in Australind.

People in the warning zone are urged to follow the safety advice below:

WHAT TO DO

• If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place. This may be with family or friends away from the area.
• If it is safe to do so, leave in an westerly direction towards South Western Highway.
• Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger.
• Take your emergency kit with you.
• If you become stuck in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself with a woollen blanket, get onto the floor as the windows may break from the intense heat.
• Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home.
• You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you before the flames reach you.
• Go to a room in your home where you can shelter from the approaching fire.
• The room should have running water, such as a kitchen or laundry, and have a clear exit so you can easily escape.
• If you are not at home, it is too dangerous to return.

The latest bushfire alerts can be found here.