Scrub fire south of Mt Barker sparks bushfire advice for Albany Highway users as smoke impacts area

A bushfire threat for people in the Shire of Mt Barker has been downgraded and a section of Albany Highway reopened, after crews contained a blaze that started on Wednesday afternoon.

The scrub fire was first reported to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services at about 1.38pm on Wednesday.

An advice alert was issued just before 2.30pm but that was downgraded to stay informed as the threat had been reduced on Wednesday evening.

The alert is still in place for place for people travelling along Albany Highway in an area between the Mt Barker sale yards and Watermans Road.

Four firefighting crews were initially on the scene fighting the fire and aerial support has also been sent to assist.

Police were also called to the scene just before 2pm to assist firefighting crews.

In an update at 5.30pm on Wednesday, DFES said the fire was contained but not controlled with crews strengthening containment lines and burning out pockets of the fire while aerial support had been released from the incident.

The blaze started near the intersection of Albany Highway and Watermans Road in the Shire of Plantagenet.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known.

There is no threat to lives of homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.

Albany Highway between O’Neill Road and Spencer Road had been closed but is now re-opened.

Bushfire Advice - STAY INFORMED - MT BARKER

• A Bushfire Advice is in place for people travelling along Albany Highway in an area between the Mount Barker sale yards and Watermans Road in MOUNT BARKER in the SHIRE OF PLANTAGENET.
• There is no threat to lives or homes.
• There is a lot of smoke in the area.

WHAT TO DO

• Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
• Read through your plan and decide what you will do if the situation gets worse. If you do not have a plan, make one now on Emergency WA, or in the Emergency WA app.
• 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.
• If you have a respiratory condition and you have been affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.

If driving

• Turn your headlights on and drive slowly.
• Watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.
• If you cannot see clearly, pull over, keep your headlights and hazard lights on, and wait until the smoke clears.