Published on Tuesday, 9 November 2021 at 1:10:48 PM
The Shire of Ashburton is working with DFES, WAPOL, DBCA, Main Roads WA, and Rio Tinto to ensure community safety with a bushfire burning 5km from the Tom Price townsite in a southerly direction.
There is currently a predicted weather change forecast for Thursday, with southeast winds that potentially will push the fire in a north westerly direction and impact Tom Price townsite.
DFES are currently planning several measures to mitigate risks to the community and asset protection to the town in the event the fire changes direction.
- Shire of Ashburton has strengthened existing firebreaks around the edge of town yesterday and will continue today
- A controlled back burn is planned to commence around 3:00pm today commencing on the southern side of the Mountain View Sporting Club (Tom Price Golfie) continuing around the eastern side of the town and down the existing fire on Tom Price Paraburdoo Road to provide asset protection to the town
- A planned major burn will commence to the eastern side of Tom Price at approx. 3:00pm today.
- Road closures will remain in place for at least another 24 hours
Community members are strongly encouraged to avoid the fire and burn area. Please follow all instruction from Emergency Service personnel.
Community members should also be aware that aircraft will be patrolling the area from mid-afternoon today so that the fire can be assessed and to ensure public safety.
There will be an increase of smoke later this afternoon as the prescribed burn gets underway, however this action is necessary to avoid fire impact on the town. Community members with respiratory concerns are advised to remain indoors, keep windows and doors closed.
As the fire crossed both Tom Price to Paraburdoo Road and Karijini Drive, Main Roads WA will be carrying out an assessment of the roads prior to reopening.
At this stage additional crews are attending from Karratha and measures are being looked at should we move to a ‘Watch and Act’.
Please refer to www.emergency.wa.gov.au/# for regular updates and the Shire of Ashburton’s website www.ashburton.wa.gov.au and facebook www.facebook.com/shireofashburton for regular updates.
For media information contact:
Alison Lennon, Manager Media and Communications
M: 0409 314 140 | E: [email protected]
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