UPDATE: DFES officers have identified the cause of a bushfire in Parkerville which has claimed two homes and caused mass evacuations.

DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm said in a press conference the cause was accidental, and was likely a tree branch shorting on two older power lines.

The devastating 2014 Parkerville bushfire was caused by a similar issue, which eventually caused at least $13 million in damage.

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6PR and Nine News reporter Ezra Holt has informed Jaime Burnett on Perth Live the fire severity has been downgraded, but there is still significant danger in the area.

While Toodyay remains under emergency warnings, Mr Holt told Mr Burnett a full-scale approach from emergency services has been key in preventing any more damage or risk to lives.

“They’ve pulled so many resources together throughout the morning; so many aircraft in the air and fire trucks on the ground just doing everything they can to put it out,” Mr Holt said.

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Shire of Toodyay CEO Suzie Hazelhurst has given an update on the Parkerville bushfire, and has detailed how the community and emergency services are cooperating to get the blaze under control.

Ms Hazelhurst told Chrissy Morrissey on 6PR Afternoons everyone in the area understood how imperative having a fire plan in place is.

“It’s something we push every single year in the lead-up to the bushfire season: be prepared, have a plan ready and make sure you know what you’re going to do in the event of an incident because as we’ve seen, conditions can change very quickly,” Ms Hazelhurst said.

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A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING is in place for people bounded by Boyamyne Road and Fringeleaf, Granite Road, Hedges Road, Flora Road in parts of HOVEA, PARKERVILLE and STONEVILLE in the SHIRE OF MUNDARING.

• You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.
• The fire started near the intersection of GRANITE RD.

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WHAT TO DO:

For people east of Gliddon Road:

• It’s too late to leave, leaving now will put your life in danger.
• You need to shelter in your home in a room away from the fire front and make sure you can easily escape.
• You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you well before the flames reach you.
• Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
• Choose a room with two exits and water such as a kitchen or laundry.
• If your home catches on fire and the conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt.
• Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and trousers, made from cotton or wool, and strong leather boots.

For people west of Gliddon Road:

• If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now in a northerly or westerly direction if the way is clear.
• If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.
• If you plan to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. You need to have access to an independent water supply, and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.
• Keep doors and windows closed and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

• The bushfire is moving in a westerly direction.
• It is out of control and unpredictable.

SAFER PLACE:

• The Department of Communities has set up an evacuation centre at at Brown Park on Salisbury Road, Swan View.
• Please take any essential items such as medications and identification to the evacuation centre.
• Pets (except recognised assistance animals) are not allowed inside evacuation centres for health and safety reasons, so you should make alternative arrangements for them. If this is not possible, please still proceed to the evacuation centre with your pets and await further advice.

SAFEST ROUTE:
People north of Richardson Road and Victoria Road can leave in a northerly direction on Beacon Road and Roland Road. People south of Victoria Road can leave via Bushlands Road and Park Road. For people east of Gliddon Road it is too late to leave..

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:
Some roads may be closed.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke. Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by visiting the Main Roads Travel Map, calling 138 138 or by contacting your Local Government Authority.

ANIMAL WELFARE
Owners or carers of livestock, pets and companion animals should activate their own animal welfare plan. During a bushfire take advice from Local Government Authorities to protect the lives of your animals while keeping yourself safe.

For more information on actions to take for each bushfire warning level, please see the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

• Firefighters are on the scene.
• Aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.

DRONES AND AERIAL SUPPORT:
Never fly a drone, model aircraft or multirotor near bushfires. Doing so poses a major safety risk to firefighting personnel in the air and on the ground, and forces aircraft to be grounded or redirected, hindering firefighting efforts.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

• The fire was reported at 09:31 AM on 21 December 2023.
• Shire of Mundaring is managing the fire.

KEEP UP TO DATE:

Visit Emergency WA, call 13 DFES , follow DFES on Facebook, listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR, or news bulletins.