Overview: Ember Attacks Prompted a Watch and Act Warning
Residents in parts of Cooloongup, Waikiki and Warnbro are being urged to stay vigilant as an out-of-control bushfire continues to burn in the City of Rockingham. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued a Watch and Act warning, signaling that burning embers are likely to be carried by the wind toward homes and property. This advisory comes as the firefront remains active and unpredictable, increasing the risk of ember attacks to nearby neighborhoods.
What a Watch and Act Warning Means
A Watch and Act status is more serious than a Advice message but not yet an Evacuation Immediate order. Residents should actively monitor alerts, prepare to take immediate action, and be ready to leave if conditions worsen. Embers can travel long distances ahead of the main fire, ignite roof spaces, gutters, and decks, and threaten properties even when the flames are some distance away.
Immediate Actions for Homeowners
- Keep doors and windows closed; close external doors to prevent ember entry.
- Remove pine needles, leaves, and other debris from roofs and gutters; clear a defensible space around structures.
- Set up a water supply near your home and have buckets or a hose ready for quick use if embers land.
- Close versus open any gaps around roofing or eaves where embers could lodge.
- Place valuable items and important documents in a safe, easily accessible location in case you need to evacuate quickly.
- Monitor the fire’s movement on trusted DFES channels and local radio for real-time updates.
Protecting Pets and Living Areas
Pets should be brought indoors early and given secure areas inside the home. Indoor plants and furnishings can still ignite from ember exposure, so assess the indoor defensible space and remove any flammable items near windows. Use a damp cloth to seal gaps around doors and vents if embers are anticipated to enter the home.
Evacuation Preparedness
Even if you are not in an evacuation zone right now, be prepared to leave at short notice if authorities issue a broader order. Have a packed, ready-to-go emergency bag with essentials, including medications, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, water, non-perishable food, radios, and important documents. Confirm your escape routes and consider contingencies for pets, elderly family members, or neighbors who may need assistance.
What the Community Can Do
Neighbors can help one another by sharing alerts, assisting with pets, and ensuring vulnerable residents are aware of the latest DFES instructions. Local authorities emphasize the importance of ongoing vigilance, avoiding unnecessary travel in affected areas, and reporting suspicious activity or new fire starts immediately to emergency services.
Reasons Behind the Ember Risk
Embers can travel hundreds of meters ahead of the main fire front, especially under gusty or variable winds. In urban fringe areas like Cooloongup, Waikiki and Warnbro, even a small ember can ignite a rooftop or dry vegetation. The fire’s behavior can change rapidly, so relying on old information is risky; continuous updates are essential.
Where to Get Real-Time Information
Residents should tune in to DFES updates via official channels, including the DFES website, local radio broadcasts, and social media pages. For most residents, mobile alerts from the DFES or local authorities will provide the shortest path to critical changes such as a shift from Watch and Act to Evacuation or Advice status.
Looking Ahead
Officials remind the community that the situation can evolve quickly, and the safest approach is to follow the instructors issued by DFES and emergency services. If you remain in a stressed area as embers threaten your home, prioritize personal safety, then safeguard property as conditions permit. The coming hours will determine whether this Watch and Act alert remains active or escalates to a broader evacuation directive.
