Sandpatch bushfire: Firefighters contain out of control blaze, advice alert for Cuthbert and Ellecker

Firefighers have contained an out of control bushfire 20 minutes from Albany’s city centre, which has burnt 95ha of the Sandpatch area since it was sparked on Sunday night. The fire was first reported at 6.52pm on Sunday and was upgraded to a watch and act level for Cuthbert, Elleker and Sandpatch at 8.50pm. It was later downgraded to advice at 11pm due to improved conditions. Firefighters remain on the scene, actively fighting the fire and strengthening containment lines after containing the out-of-control blaze by 11am on Monday. The fire is stationary and has burnt 95ha. An advice warning remains in place for people in the area bound by Lower Denmark Road in the north, Mutton Bird Road and Elleker-Grassmere Road in the west, Sand Patch Road in the east and the coastline in the south. Wind Farm Access Road at the end of Sand Patch Road is closed as are the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail between Muttonbird Hut and Sand Patch Hut. People are asked to avoid driving off-road vehicles in the area due to emergency services personnel working nearby. A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said the cause of the fire was unknown and that fire investigators have been requested. People are asked to report any suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The City of Albany is managing the fire. WHAT TO DO: IF DRIVING: