Kalgan and Napier bushfire: Residents told to evacuate as emergency level bushfire threatens homes near Albany

Residents in two Great Southern towns are being urged to evacuate as an emergency-level bushfire threatens lives and homes near Albany, with dangerous winds fuelling the blaze.

The bushfire in parts of Kalgan and Napier is not contained or controlled and is moving fast in a south-easterly direction with winds of up to 65kmph blowing. There are ember and spot fires 500 metres ahead of the fire.

The fire is threatening lives and homes and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services is warning anyone in the area to act immediately to survive.

An evacuation centre has been opened by the Department of Communities at Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre for people fleeing the blaze.

Firefighters are on the scene, actively fighting the fire, including 30 Bush Fire Service firefighters. City of Albany personnel are also at the scene.

Residents are advised to take any essential items such as medications and identification. Pets, except recognised assistance animals, are not allowed inside for health and safety reasons, so you should make alternative arrangements for them.

If this is not possible, proceed to the evacuation centre with your pets and await further advice.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and it is safe to leave via Hunton Road towards Albany.

There is smoke over South Coast Highway with speed reductions in place between Mead Road and Weeldon Road.

The fire started near Churchlane Road in Kalgan and was reported at 3.18pm.

The affected area is bounded by Churchlane Road to the east, Baker Junction Reserve to the west and South Coast Highway to the south.

A bushfire watch and act is also in place for parts of Kalgan bounded by South Coast Highway to the north, Hunton Road to the east, Mead Road to the west and Mount Boyle Road to the south.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes in the area as the fire approaches it amid changing conditions.

What to do if you are in the emergency level area:

• If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.
• Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.
• 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.
• Go to a room in your home away from the fire front and make sure you can easily escape.
• Choose a room with two exits and water such as a kitchen or laundry.
• If you are not at home, it’s too dangerous to return.

What to do if you are in the watch and act area:

• 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.
• Keep doors and windows closed 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.