Published on Thursday, 7 January 2021 at 8:41:00 AM
It is expected to be an extremely hot start to the weekend with temperatures forecast to hover around 41°C for Friday, 8 January and 35°C on Saturday 9, January.
It is important we take care of our health during this time. HealthyWA have some great tips on how you can beat the heat including staying hydrated, getting a good sleep and caring for your pets.
There are also a number of alerts, warnings and closures that may affect you and your activities during this period.
FIRE DANGER RATINGS:
As at Friday, 8 January, the Fire Danger Rating for the Shire is SEVERE. Click here for the most up to date fire danger ratings for your area, or head to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services website here.
TOTAL FIRE BANS:
There is a total fire ban in place for the Shire on Friday, 8 January and Saturday, 9 January. This means that you must not light, maintain or use a fire in the open air, or to carry out any activity in the open air that causes, or is likely to cause, a fire.
For the latest Total Fire Ban alerts, click here.
You can also find the latest Fire Ban information via the following channels:
FAQs for what you can and can’t do during a Total Fire Ban can be found here.
If you break the rules during a Total Fire Ban, you may face severe penalties.
HARVEST AND VEHICLE MOVEMENT BAN:
A Harvest Vehicle Movement Ban has also been issued by the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer for Friday, 8 January and Saturday, 9 January from 6am until 8pm. These bans will be reviewed at 7pm each day at which time further advice will be issued.
NO operation of any plant/machinery during this time.
ACTIVITIES NOT PERMITTED DURING THE PERIOD OF THIS BAN:
Harvesting operations are not permitted.
All off-road activity is banned, regardless of whether it is for agricultural purposes or work being conducted by business, industry and public authorities.
Off-road includes areas such as paddocks, bushland, uncleared land and land with stubble or long grass.
Off-road activity includes the use of anything activated by an internal combustion engine being used off-road e.g. motor bikes, quad bikes, excavators, chain saws, ride on lawn mowers and generators.
NO operation of any plant/machinery during this time.
Read the full declarations here.
WATKINS ROAD TRANSFER STATION AND RECYCLING CENTRE CLOSURE:
With the declaration of a Total Fire Ban and Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban, the Shire’s Watkins Road Transfer Station and Recycling Centre will be closed on Friday, 8 January and Saturday, 9 Janaury 2021.
The closure of the facility has been issued by the Shire’s Chief Bush Fire Control Officer and has been made for the safety of residents, staff and emergency service workers and volunteers.
SERPENTINE NATIONAL PARK CLOSURE:
The Parks and Wildlife Service has issued a Park Closure for Serpentine National Park.
The park will be closed from Tuesday 5 January to Saturday 9 January inclusive due to severe fire danger.
WHAT TO DO:
People are urged to avoid the area, follow the advice of Parks and Wildlife Service staff and observe signage.
People already in the area should leave for a safer place.
For more information, contact the Parks and Wildlife Service office on 9290 6100.
PICNIC AREAS CLOSURE:
Picnic areas at Serpentine Dam and Serpentine Pipehead Dam are closed until Monday, 11 January.
People are urged to avoid the area, follow the advice of Parks and Wildlife Service staff and observe signage.
Make sure you keep up to date with alerts and warnings:
www.emergency.wa.gov.au
13 DFES (13 3337)
Listen to ABC Local Radio
Visit www.bom.gov.au/wa/
Make sure you’re safe this bush fire season:
Have a five-minute Fire Chat with your family about what you will do if a bush fire threatens your area. www.dfes.wa.gov.au/firechat
Be aware of your surroundings and act immediately if you see smoke or flames. Do not wait for a text message or a knock at your door.
As always, if you see smoke or flames, call 000 immediately.
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