Firefighters are responding to a bushfire in Perth’s northern suburbs that is threatening homes.
Residents in Carabooda have been told to prepare to leave their properties as the “unpredictable” blaze approaches.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued a watch and act notice and warned that the bushfire was “out of control”.
The blaze, which was reported at 5.30pm, was moving fast in a north-easterly direction, firefighters said.
It is understood at least four houses are under immediate threat in the Carabooda area.
Police have blocked off Wanneroo Road at the Bernard Road intersection up to Yanchep Beach Road and were diverting traffic.
People are urged to avoid the area while firefighters work to control the blaze and motorists are advised to reduce their speed as the smoke may impair vision.
A number of helicopters could be seen circling the bushfire zone with water tanks and 50 firefighters arrived on the scene.
For residents in the Carabooda area, DFES has released a list of 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.
- 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.
