More than 80ha of grassland goes up in smoke in accidental fire lit east of Yabberup

More than 80ha of grassland went up in smoke on Monday after an accidental fire started burning east of Yabberup.

It comes as several fires burned on Tuesday in the South West and Great Southern regions, including in the Shannon National Park, causing the closure of the park, the Shannon campground, all roads and tracks, and the D’Entrecasteaux National Park.

The Yabberup fire was first reported at 12.47pm, burning on a hill near Nioka Drive and threatening two properties during the height of the blaze.

It took 10 firefighting appliances to control the blaze, with crews from Donnybrook Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Noggerup Bush Fire Brigade, Thomson Brook Bush Fire Brigade, and Argyle Irishtown Bush Fire Brigade backed up with two firefighting helicopters working until 6pm.

A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said the incident was a reminder for people to remain alert, especially as fuel loads had dried off in large parts of southern WA during the hot weather over the summer.

“There is potential for bushfires to spark and escalate quickly, which is why we are urging the community to take care and be aware of the dangers,” they said.

“We need the public to work with us. Make a bushfire plan, prepare your properties, and do not do anything that could start a fire.”

The spokesperson said everyone should have a bushfire plan in place.

“It only takes 15 minutes to create a plan on the My Bushfire Plan app or website, and it could save your life,” they said.

The spokesperson said to stay up to date with local conditions and alerts, people could check Emergency WA, listen to local radio broadcasts, follow DFES on social media, or phone 13 DFES (13 3337).