Lightning strike causes 7000ha bushfire in Hawke National Park, just west of Pemberton

Firefighters are battling to contain a 7000ha bushfire which started over the weekend after a lightning strike in the bushland just west of the popular South West town of Pemberton. The bushfire started on Friday night near the intersection of Fly Brook Road and Ritter Road, in the Yeagarup area of the Manjimup Shire. This fire comes only six weeks after a 2200ha bushfire forced the evacuation of Bridgetown when a tree branch fell on to live power lines. The Bridgetown fire claimed two properties, 60km of fencing, resulted in the serious injuring of one man and led to a hazardous material outbreak in the Hester township.. The Yeagarup fire has also joined the long list of level-three blazes to have taken place in the 2021-2022 WA bushfire season. During this fire season, for the first time in the history of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, there were four category-three blazes taking place at the same time including Denmark, Bridgetown, Corrigin and Wickepin. DFES says the Yeagarup fire is at the watch and act level and poses a threat to lives and homes for residents in the Donnelly River area including the Donnelly River huts located there and Boat Landing Road. DFES is warning any residents in the area to leave if the way is clear for those who are not prepared to fight or were planning on leaving the area. DFES also says if you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now and if you plan to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. It is advised to have access to an independent water supply, and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires. Meanwhile, bushfire advice warning is in place for the residents near Black Point, Karri Valley, Warren, Hawke and D’Entrecasteaux National Parks. More than 60 crews across the Parks and Wildlife Service, the DFES, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Bushfire Brigades and Forest Products Commission staff firefighters are in attendance. Those battling the fire are working to strengthen containment lines while aerial support is also helping the crews on the ground. The blaze is moving slowly and has forced the closure of several roads including Ritter Road from Old Vasse Road to the coast, this includes access to Yeagarup Beach. Other roads which have been closed include Callcup Road and Warren Beach Track, this includes access to Warren Beach, Donnelly Boat Landing Road at Vasse Highway, Scott Road at Vasse Highway, Woodarburrup Road east of Black Point Road. Black Point Road at Stewart Road including Jangardup Road and Pneumonia Road remain open for access to local traffic only. DFES is advising the safest route for people to leave the area is along the Vasse Highway, bit road users are being told to drive slow because of the poor visibility caused by the smoke plume. For those who are isolating because of COVID-19, DFES is warning you to do what you can to save your life. If you must leave the area because of the bushfire DFES is advising you to find suitable alternative premises and wear a mask. Those in the affected area are permitted to go to suitable alternative premises without putting others at risk. An alternative suitable premises may include a friend or relative’s house, provided they have their own bedroom, preferably own bathroom, and there are not too many people in the house. Warren National Park is closed, including Heartbreak Trail as well as parts of D’Entrecasteaux National Park between the Warren River and Black Point. and the walking trail to the Bicentennial Tree is closed.