A fast moving bushfire is burning toward homes in Bedfordale in Perth's east with locals warned there is a threat to lives and property.
A huge plume of smoke can be seen rising above Perth's southern suburbs.
Firefighters are battling the blaze and the South Western Highway has been closed to traffic.
The fire started near the intersection of Admiral Road and Albany Highway in Bedfordale, though cause of the blaze is unknown at this time.
The following bushfire emergency warning has been issued:
A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING has been issued for people east of South Western Highway, south of Bedfordale Hill Road and north of Thomas Road in MOUNT RICHON, WUNGONG, DARLING DOWNS and BYFORD in the CITY OF ARMADALE and SHIRE OF SERPENTINE-JARRAHDALE.
You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.Homes in Rails Crescent and Wungong Close are under threat by fire..The fire started near the intersection of ADMIRAL RD and ALBANY HWY in BEDFORDALE.The fire is burning on the eastern side of South Western Highway.
WHAT TO DO:
If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it.If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for parts of ARMADALE, WUNGONG, DARLING DOWNS and BYFORD in the CITY OF ARMADALE and SHIRE OF SERPENTINE-JARRAHDALE
ALERT LEVEL: A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people west of South Western Highway in ARMADALE, WUNGONG, DARLING DOWNS and BYFORD in the CITY OF ARMADALE and SHIRE OF SERPENTINE-JARRAHDALE.
There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing.You need to leave or get ready to actively defend.
WHAT TO DO:
If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:
The bushfire is moving fast in a westerly direction.It is out of control and unpredictable.
ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:
Avoid the area and be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.A number of roads have been closed including:
South Western Highway
Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke.Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au OR CITY OF ARMADALE.
WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:
Firefighters are on the scene.Approximately 100 firefighters are attending.Aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
The cause of the fire is unknown.DFES is managing the fire.KEEP UP TO DATE: Visit emergency.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa, or listen to news bulletins. Updates will be issued every hour unless the situation changes.