A fire, believed to be deliberately lit, is burning through South Collie.
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Witnesses say the fire started out the back of the Collie Golf Club, just behind the 11th hole.
It travelled through the old track to Minninup near the South branch of the Collie weather in a southerly direction.
A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING remains in place for people in the suburb of Wilson Park in the south-western part of Collie in the Shire of Collie.
Monday 15 February 2016 - 4:35 PM
You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.
Homes in Bickerton St, Porter St, Delahunty St, Riley St, Telfer Crescent and Bessel Crescent will be under threat between 1-2 hours.
The fire started in Minninup Pool Shire Reserve and is burning in Westralia Conservation Park.
Bushfire Behaviour:
The bushfire is moving fast in a north-westerly direction at 350 metres per hour.
It is out of control and unpredictable.
Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home. Spot fires are starting up ahead of the fire.
Firefighters are expecting the south-easterly winds to remain pushing the fire in a north-westerly direction.
This means homes near Mungalup to the west of Collie may be threatened by the fire.
WHAT TO DO:
If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.
Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.
There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires
If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it.
If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.
SAFER PLACE:
Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.
The Department for Child Protection has set up a temporary evacuation centre at Roche Centre, corner of Paull Street and Gibbs Road.
SAFEST ROUTE
If you live in the area leave in northerly direction via Atkinson Rd and Mungalup Rd.
ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for people in Mungalup south-west of Collie in the Shire of Collie.
Although there is no immediate danger for people in these areas you need to be aware and keep up to date.
WHAT TO DO:
Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
Read through your bushfire survival plan.
If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.
ROAD CLOSURES:
Mungalup Road is closed from the north of the golf club entrance in the north to Siding Road in the south.
Road information may also be available by calling Main Roads WA on 138 138 or visit www.mainroads.wa.gov.au
RECREATION SITE CLOSURES:
Bibbulmun Track is closed between Siding Rd and Collie Coalfields Highway.
WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:
Firefighters are protecting houses.
Parks and Wildlife fire crews and local bushfire brigades are on the scene.
Aerial support is assisting to protect crews and homes.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
The fire was reported at 1pm today and currently there has been 150 hectares burnt.
The cause of the fire is unknown.
The Department of Parks and Wildlife is managing the fire
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.dpaw.wa.gov.au,www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow Parks and Wildlife on Twitter @WAParksWildlife, listen to ABC local radio or news bulletins.
