Chapman Valley fire: Residents in Bowes, Howatharra, Oakajee told to stay alert as bushfire contained

An emergency bushfire alert in the Mid West has been downgraded as fireys strengthen containment lines around the blaze.

People in the area bound by Starling Road, Oakajee Road and Olsen Road including North West Coastal Highway in parts of Bowes, Howatharra and Oakajee, in the Chapman Valley and Northampton shires have been advised to “remain vigilant and avoid the area”.

“The alert level for this fire has been downgraded as the bushfire is contained but not controlled,” the Department of Fire and Emergency Services said.

“There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and conditions are changing.”

Residents in the area were first urged to evacuate about 1pm on Saturday as the inferno was endangering lives and homes.

Firefighting crews battling the fire on the ground were assisted by fire-bomber and spotter planes as they worked to establish containment lines in the area.

Ground crews are facing tough conditions to get the blaze under control, as temperatures hover around 30C while wind gusts up to 44km/h threaten to derail firefighting efforts.

The bushfire is contained but not controlled and continues to move fast in a north-easterly direction. About 75ha of land has been burnt.

The area subject to a “Watch and Act” alert earlier, bound by Starling Road, Oakabella Road and Oakabella East Road including North West Coastal Highway in parts of Bowes and Howatharra, has been downgraded to “Advice”.

“There is no threat to lives or homes,” DFES said.

“Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.”

A second bushfire “Advice” zone has been established as of about 3.30pm, for people bound by Bunter Road, Ridley Place, Dillistone Road and Olsen Road in parts of Howatharra and Yetna.

There are currently no threats to lives or homes in this second area, but emergency services are urging residents to “be ready if the situation escalates”.

North West Coastal Highway remains closed between the 440 Roadhouse and Northampton Roadhouse.

What to do - Watch and Act:

• Avoid the area due to road closures and other dangers caused by the fire.
• If you have remained in the area, stay alert and monitor your surroundings as conditions could change.
• If you are actively defending your property, continue to patrol and put out spot fires.
• Keep doors and windows closed, and evaporative air conditioners turned off with water running through the system if possible.
• Be patient and follow the directions of emergency services.

What to do - Advice:

• 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.
• Be ready if the situation escalates. Read through your plan. If you do not have a plan, make one now on Emergency WA or in the Emergency WA app.
• 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.