West Arthur: Threat reduced for blaze caused by lightning strike and under control by volunteer firefighters

A bushfire advice warning sparked by lightning during a freak storm on Sunday in the Shire of West Arthur has been downgraded to a reduced threat.

The bushfire was initially reported at 7.21pm on Sunday following a lightning strike that set a tree ablaze in a paddock in Duranillin.

The fire was burning on the northern and southern side of Moodiarrup Road in farmland near Haddleton Nature Reserve, and razed about 40ha.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services launched a bushfire advice alert at 10.47am on Monday for people in an area bounded by Moodiarrup Road West to the north, Boyup Brook-Arthur Road to the south, Eulin Crossing Road to the east and Trigwell Bridge to the west in parts of Moodiarrup and Trigwell.

The alert was downgraded to a reduced threat by 6.26pm on Monday.

The fire posed no threat to lives or homes.

The blaze was contained and controlled by 11pm on Sunday thanks to the quick work of 19 crews from volunteer farming units and the Duranillin Bushfire Brigade.

A DFES spokesperson said there were light to medium fuel loads for the flames.

Roads remained open, but DFES urges motorists to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully.

The fire posed no threat to lives or homes.

The Shire of West Arthur is managing the situation and volunteer farming units are mopping up and monitoring the situation.

A total fire ban has been declared for the shire.

The storm also caused a power outage about 7pm Sunday, leaving 458 customers in Bokal, Bowelling, Williams, Darkan, Duranillin, Dardadine, Arthur River and Meeking without power.

Power was restored late on Monday afternoon.

WHAT TO DO

• The threat of the fire has reduced however you should take care in the area.
• Stay alert for potential dangers such as smoke and fallen trees and power poles.
• If you do not have a plan, make one now on Emergency WA, or in the Emergency WA app to stay safe in future emergencies.
• Be aware of emergency services and other support personnel working in the area.