For Widespread Damaging Winds with Locally Destructive Winds and Abnormally High Tides.

For people in areas southwest of a line Mandurah to Bremer Bay. This includes people in or near Mandurah, Margaret River, Busselton, Bunbury, Albany, Katanning and Bremer Bay.

Issued at 1:55 pm on Monday 7 May 2012.

The passage of a cold front across the region today is very likely to cause WIDESPREAD DAMAGING WINDS to 100 kilometres per hour that could cause DAMAGE TO HOMES AND PROPERTY. DANGEROUS GUSTS in excess of 125 kilometres per hour could cause SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION TO HOMES AND PROPERTY IN LOCALISED AREAS.

Mean wind speeds of 74km/hr has been recorded at Cape Leeuwin with gusts to 98km/hr. Mean winds of 63km/hr has been recorded Busselton Jetty with gusts to 80km/hr. Gusts to 93km/hr has been recorded at Cape Naturaliste.

HIGHER THAN NORMAL TIDES may cause FLOODING OF LOW-LYING COASTAL AREAS.

DANGEROUS SURF CONDITIONS are likely which could cause significant beach erosion.

FESA State Emergency Service [SES] advises people to secure loose objects, move vehicles under cover and stay inside away from windows. If caught outside find shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams. Boat owners should make sure their boats are securely moored. Take extra care on the roads as flooding is possible. If driving through heavy rain slow down and turn your lights on or if visibility becomes low pull over and park until it passes.

For SES assistance call 132 500. For more safety tips visit www.fesa.wa.gov.au

The next warning will be issued by 5:00 pm Monday.

This warning is also available through TV and Radio broadcasts; the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 213.

The Shire of Plantagenet has decided to end the restricted burning period as of today, May 7, 2012.  Permits to burn off around the home are not required until the next restricted period comes into effect later in the year.

The ban described below will be lifted at 1800 hrs.

A harvest and vehicle movement ban has been put on for the Shire of Plantagenet today, Sunday, April 1, 2012 as of 11:40am.  A review of the ban will be made later this afternoon.

Information about harvest and vehicle movement bans can be found at this website.  (Link opens up a new browser page.)

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Dennis (Claude) Drage.
He was a founding Member of Mount Barker VFRS, Life Member and former Captain of the Brigade.
Claude was also the President of the Great Southern Zone, being elected in 1972.

The funeral will be held at Mount Barker VFRS’ Station, Lowood Road, Mount Barker at 2:30pm on Tuesday, March 27.  The hearse will be escorted from the Station to Mount Barker Cemetery following the service by the Brigade’s Urban Tanker.  A wake will be held after the services, the location to be decided soon.

Any VFRS Members wishing to attend are asked to wear their dress uniform.

Rest in Peace Claude.

IDW3000
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Western Australia

FIRE WEATHER WARNING
Issued at 4:10 pm WST on Tuesday, 6 March 2012

For Wednesday:
A SEVERE Fire Danger [GFDI 50-74] is forecast for the South Coastal, the Southeast Coastal, and the Central West districts.

If you are in a SEVERE Fire Danger area:
Fire and Emergency Services Authority [FESA] advises that if a fire starts and takes hold it will be unpredictable, move very fast and difficult for firefighters to bring under control. Read through your bushfire survival plan.

If you do not have one decide what you will do if a fire starts. If you are not prepared to the highest level, leaving bushfire risk areas early in the day is your safest option. Homes that are prepared to the highest level, have been constructed to bushfire protection levels and are actively defended may provide safety. You must be physically and mentally prepared to defend in these conditions.

For further bushfire advice and information on total fire bans go to:
www.fesa.wa.gov.au

Weather Situation
Hot and dry with fresh and gusty N’ly winds during Wednesday morning in the South Coastal and the Southeast Coastal districts. Hot with strong S/SW winds in the Central West district during Wednesday afternoon.

PLEASE NOTE THE BAN BELOW HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED.

A harvest and vehicle movement ban has been put on for the Shire of Plantagenet today, Tuesday, March 6, 2012 as of 9:00am.  A review of the ban will be made later this afternoon.

Information about harvest and vehicle movement bans can be found at this website.  (Link opens up a new browser page.)

Cody Woolhouse passed away this morning at 7:15.  He was a keen and active firefighter and he will be sadly missed.  Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Vale Cody

PLEASE NOTE THE BAN BELOW HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED.
A harvest and vehicle movement ban has been put on for the Shire of Plantagenet today, Saturday, January 28, 2012 as of 11:00am.  A review of the ban will be made at 3:00pm.

Information about harvest and vehicle movement bans can be found at this website.  (Link opens up a new browser page.)

As of December 15, open fires are not permitted in the Shire of Plantagenet, including the town of Mount Barker.

For further details please contact the Shire of Plantagenet.

The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) along with Bush Fire Brigades and other organisations are currently battling a fire between Denmark and Mount Barker. Smoke from the fire is blowing in on the south-westerly wind and it is impacting on Mount Barker. Those people with breathing issues would be best advised keeping windows and doors closed and seek medical assistance if required. Those with washing on the line may wish to consider bringing it in and having it dry indoors.

DEC’s contact details are available at http://www.dec.wa.gov.au.