Port Hedland blaze: Warning downgraded as firefighters bring bushfire under control

A bushfire has been downgraded to watch and act just hours after residents were told to evacuate.

People in Boodarie, about 15km south-west of Port Hedland, were told to leave as an unpredictable blaze took hold just before 11am on Saturday.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued a warning telling those on or near Greenfields Street in Boodarie they are “in danger and need to act immediately to survive”.

Firefighters have brought the blaze under control the blaze, however people in an area south of Quartz Quarry Road, Yarrie Road and Collier Drive, including people on or near Greenfields Street are being warned there is still a threat to lives and homes.

Yarrie Road and Quartz Quarry Road have been closed.

A member of the public first reported the blaze via a triple zero call about 9.35am on Saturday.

There are seven firefighting ground crews attending the area, which include local volunteers and members of brigades from Port and South Hedland.

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.