Kirup fire: Watch and act reinstated for South West blaze which is contained but not yet controlled

Firefighters battling a fire that threatened lives and homes near the South West town of Kirup have contained the blaze.

The fire, which has already burnt for more than 24 hours, was downgraded and a watch-and-act alert reinstated just after noon on Wednesday.

Authorities say the blaze, which began on Ravenscliffe Road yesterday, is now contained but not controlled and that there is still a possible risk to lives and homes given the changing conditions.

Residents who are not prepared or plan to leave are urged to leave now if the way is clear.

Those who are well prepared and plan to stay and actively defend their home must make final preparations and not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected.

The fire suddenly changed direction from north-westerly to west-south-westerly this morning.

Earlier, residents bounded by Ravenscillfe Road to the south and the east and Upper Capel Road to the north were urged to “act immediately to survive”.

The alert for the same fire but for residents bounded by Goodwood Road to the west, Ryall Road to the south and South West Highway to the east has also been downgraded. to a bushfire advice as there is no current threat to lives or homes.

Ravenscliffe Road has been closed to the public and motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully.

Premier Mark McGowan praised the efforts of the State’s firefighters, 200 of whom are currently battling a number of blazes across the State.

“Can I firstly thank the firefighters who have been dealing with fires both in Martin and Kirup in the South West,” he said.

“It has obviously been a very difficult period, I understand they have done a wonderful job and I would like to thank each and every one of them for their wonderful work”