In the event of a bushfire

Visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au for the most up-to-date information.

Visit DFES for latest fire updates or facebook.com/dfeswa

What the bushfire warnings and alerts mean

If you're in an affected area under a bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING

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

WHAT TO DO:  

• You need to shelter in your home in a room away from the fire front and make sure you can easily escape. 
• You must shelter before the fire arrives as the extreme heat will kill you well before the flames reach you. 
• Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible. 
• Choose a room with two exits and water such as a kitchen or laundry. 
• If your home catches on fire and the conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt. 
• Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and trousers, made from cotton or wool, and strong leather boots.  
• For people in the remainder of the Emergency Warning area, if you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear by travelling in a direction away from the fire to a safer place. This applies to ALL people in this area, including people who have been directed to self-isolate or self-quarantine and everyone subject to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. 

• If you are in an area subject to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions leave now, to a suitable premises or safer place, wear a mask and continue to follow precautions to minimise the spread of the virus.  

If you're in an affected area under a WATCH AND ACT alert:

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

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing.

WHAT TO DO:

• If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.
• If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.
• If you plan to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. You need to have access to an independent water supply, and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.
• At all times close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

If you're in an affected area under a bushfire ADVICE alert:

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.

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.

Find information about burning restrictions, Fire Safety Bans and more on our Fire web pages.