Serpentine bushfire: Residents told to monitor conditions as bushfire downgraded to watch and act

A raging bushfire in Serpentine has been downgraded to a watch and act warning as firefighters battle the blaze and reduce its rate of spread.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services downgraded the emergency warning for residents bound by Nettleton Road to the north, Barge Drive to the east, Cooperage Street to the west and Kiln Road to the south in parts of Byford and Karrakup in the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale about 6.50am on Wednesday.

The blaze — which was first reported at 1.25am on Wednesday — is not controlled or contained and is moving in a westerly direction.

Residents have been told to stay alert and monitor surroundings as conditions could change.

“You may need to act quick;y so ensure you are prepared if the situation gets worse,” a DFES spokesperson said.

“Have your emergency kit ready.

“If you find it hard to move quickly, leaving now is your safest option.

“Continue to patrol your property and be ready to put out spot fires.

“If you are plan to stay and defend, ensure you are mentally and physically prepared, with protective clothing and an independent water supply.”

Firefighters are actively fighting the blaze.

Bush Fire Service volunteers are also on the scene.

An evacuation centre was open at the Serpentine-Jarrahdale Recreation Centre at 38 Mead Street, Byford, but has since closed.

“Please take any essential items such as medications and identifications to the evacuation centre,” DFES said.

“Pets (except recognised assistance animals) are not allowed inside evacuation centres for health and safety reasons, so you should make alternative arrangements for them.”

A number of roads including Nettleton Road between Barge Drive and Coronation Road have been closed.

A watch and act is also in place for residents in an area bound by Barge Road to the west, Nettleton Road to the north and east, and Old Haul Road to the south in parts of Karrakup in the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale.

“Stay alert and monitor your surroundings as conditions could change,” DFES siad.

“Keep your doors and windows closed to keep out smoke.

“Continue to patrol your property and be ready to put out spot fires.”

“If you find it hard to move quickly, leaving now is your safest option.

“Keep your doors and windows closed to keep out smoke.

“If you plan to stay and defend, ensure you are mentally and physically prepared, with protective clothing and an independent water supply.”

A bushfire watch and act is also in place for residents bounded by South Western Highway to the west, Nettleton Road to the north, Cooperage Street to the east and Kiln Road to the south in parts of Byford and Cardup in the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale.

“The alert level for this fire has been downgraded as firefighters have reduced the fire’s rate of spread,” DFES said.

“Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.

“Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.”