Jurien Bay bushfire: Emergency warning downgraded to watch and act after lightning starts blaze

A bushfire emergency sparked by lightning near Jurien Bay in WA’s Mid West has been downgraded to a watch and act warning after the threat level eased.

An emergency warning had been issued for people in the area west of Cockleshell Gully Road, including the Drovers Cave National Park and Lesueur National Park, in parts of Hill River and Jurien Bay have been advised to leave immediately if safe to do so.

The blaze was sparked by lightning just before 8.30am Tuesday morning near Lesueur Scenic Drive.

It had crossed Cockleshell Gully Road and was threatening lives and homes, prompting the evacuation warning about 11.30am.

But by 2.30pm, the blaze had been downgraded to a watch and act warning, affecting people near Cockleshell Gully Road., with a possible threat to lives and homes.

“Firefighters are undertaking backburning operations which will assist efforts to contain the bushfire.,” the Department of Fire and Emergency Services stated in its latest update.

Firefighters are on the scene battling the flames amid the chaotic weather — with wind gusts up to 40km/h — as the fire heads south-west.

An advice warning is in place for people near Lesueur National Park and Drovers Cave National Park in parts of Hill River and Jurien Bay.

Lesueur Scenic Drive and Cockleshell Gully Road remain closed and motorists are asked to avoid the area.

13 DFES (13 3337)

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