A suspicious bushfire in Perth’s south east has been downgraded to a watch and act alert almost 10 hours after the raging blaze was first reported.
An emergency bushfire alert was issued for the southern part of Bedfordale and the eastern part of Ashendon in the City of Armadale on Friday around 2.20pm.
The fire — which grew to 60 hectares in size — was first reported at 12.30pm and was moving in a north westerly direction towards Springfield Road.
Late on Friday night the bushfire was downgraded to a watch and act alert as police reopened roads within the fire zone.
People in the area bound by Albany Highway, Admiral Road, Kunzea Road and McAllister Road in the southern part of Bedfordale and eastern part of Ashendon are still urged to remain vigilant as firefighters remain at the scene.
DFES says the fire remains “stationary”.
“The alert level for this fire has been downgraded due to easing fire activity,” the current alert states.
“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.”
Residents inside the emergency zone were told to “prepare for fire impact” before the bushfire was downgraded.
“The last report was that the fire was moving at about 700 meters an hour through forest vegetation,” deputy incident controller Terry Wegwermer said.
“Some of the biggest hurdles for firefighters is working in the terrain, which is valleys and quite difficult to get through.”
Mr Wegwermer said police are working to determine the cause of the blaze, which is being treated as suspicious.
Over 165 firefighters were at the scene while 12 water bombers worked to douse the blaze from above
Southern Hills Christian College was evacuated in the early stages of the blaze, with all students and staff accounted for.
An evacuation centre was opened by the Department of Communities at Armadale Arena — located at 2 Townley Street — before it closed late on Friday.
Anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity is urged to contact crime stoppers online or on 1800 333 000
For the latest bushfire updates visit Emergency WA.