![A sign indicating the fire danger of the day is seen in Canberra](http://web.archive.org./web/20131215114653im_/http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2013/12/15/1226783/423965-severe-fire-danger-for-perth-prompts-ban.jpg)
High temperatures in Western Australia have prompted bushfire warnings for much of the state. Source: AAP
FIREFIGHTERS fear a wind change could cause a controlled bushfire to flare up again and threaten homes northeast of Perth.
An emergency warning has been downgraded to a watch-and-act alert for people four kilometres east of Toodyay.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) says the blaze is under control but not contained.
It is now burning in paddocks on the northern side of Goomalling-Toodyay Road, near the Wicklow and Dumbarton Estates.
"There is a possible threat to lives and homes as conditions are changing," the DFES said.
"You need to leave or get ready to actively defend."
About 130 volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and Bush Fire Service firefighters are fighting the fire, which was reported at 9.18am (WST) on Sunday and has burned about 230 hectares.
Two helicopters and two fixed-wing water bombers are assisting ground crews.
The DFES says it is expecting the wind to change from north-northwest to west-southwest at about 4pm (WST).
"This means that homes in the Wicklow and Dumbarton Estates may be threatened by fire and you need to keep up to date," DFES said.
Residents in Toodyay, about 86 kilometres northeast of Perth, told AAP there was smoke in the township but they were pleased with the quick response from firefighters.
Shire president David Dow said the blaze was burning in a semi-rural and rural area in which hundreds of people lived.
"The fire is obviously very serious," he told AAP.
"Everyone is just getting out at the moment."
People wanting to leave have been told to travel in a western direction towards the Toodyay township.
The Department for Child Protection has set up a temporary evacuation centre at the Toodyay Community Hall.
Goomalling-Toodyay Road has been closed and motorists have been warned to avoid the area.
The cause of the fire is unknown.
In December 2009, a bushfire destroyed 38 homes and damaged about 137 properties in Toodyay.