A raging inferno is hurtling towards one of WA’s historic townsites as it sparks spot fires up to 50m ahead of the main blaze.
The bushfire started just after 2pm on Tuesday afternoon, about 500m south of the dual Ampol petrol stations on Forrest Highway in West Pinjarra.
More than a dozen career and volunteer firefighting crews are on the scene battling the flames as the out-of-control blaze heads north-east towards the historic townsite of Pinjarra.
Two helicopter water bombers are also in the air assisting crews on the ground.
Residents have been warned there is a possible threat to lives and homes as the out-of-control blaze picks up speed along the highway to the north-east amid 33C conditions.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued watch and act advice about 3.15pm on Tuesday for people in the area bounded by Thompson Road, Paull Road and Daley Road in southern parts of West Pinjarra.
“Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home. Spot fires are starting up to 50m ahead of the fire,” DFES said.
About an 8km stretch of Forrest Highway has been closed between Greenlands and Daley roads.
West Pinjarra is forecast for another two days of intense heat as temperatures are set to reach 37C on Wednesday and 39C on Thursday.
It comes as WA has experienced one its worst fire seasons yet, with minimal rain and higher than usual temperatures making the jobs of fireys all the more difficult.
Stay up to date at www.emergency.wa.gov.au/.
13 DFES (13 3337)