Carnarvon bushfire: Residents breathes sigh of relief as blaze threat downgraded

UPDATE: Residents are no longer in immediate danger after a bushfire sparked by lightning on Thursday afternoon became unpredictable and out of control as it burned through WA’s Gascoyne overnight.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services had warned the bushfire was a threat lives and homes in the region, with firefighters warning residents to remain on high alert.

The bushfire watch and act alert that had been in place for Carnarvon overnight and into the morning, warned residents and motorists travelling along or near North West Coastal Highway from Minilya-Exmouth Road to the north, Cooralya Road to the south and Lake McLeod to the west in parts of Yandoo Creek, Macleod and Minilya to remain vigilant.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services said the unpredictable fire — which started near Manberry Homestead in Yandoo by a lightning strike about 5pm on Thursday — was a threat to lives and homes as it advanced in a north-easterly direction and that conditions were changing.

However, the advice was downgraded at 8.14am on Friday after emergency services managed to contain — but not yet control— the blaze.

“The alert level for this fire has been downgraded as the fire is no longer impacting the highway,” DFES said.

“There is no threat to lives or homes. 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.”

The North West Coastal Highway between Blowholes Road and Minilya Roadhouse has reopened.

WHAT TO DO IF DRIVING

• Be extremely careful when driving through the area.
• 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.
• 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.