Lives and homes are at risk in the Goldfields as firefighters work to douse an out-of-control blaze that has crossed a major highway.
A bushfire is threatening lives and homes in the Comet Vale area — north of Kalgoorlie — and residents are urged to shelter in their homes to survive.
The alert was issued just after 7.10pm after an existing fire crossed Goldfields Highway between Broad Arrow and Menzies on Monday night.
People travelling along Goldfields Highway — and residents within the area — are urged to act immediately to survive and are told to shelter away from the firefront.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions alert states, “It’s too late to leave, leaving now would be deadly”.
“You need to shelter in your home in a room away from the firefront and make sure you can easily escape,” the emergency alert said.
“You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you well before the flames reach you.”
If a home catches fire and the conditions become unbearable people are told to travel to an area that has already been burnt.
“Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and trousers, made from cotton or wool, and strong leather boots.”
People are urged to close all doors, and windows and ensure to turn off evaporative air conditioners. If possible, people should keep water running through the system.
The fire is moving fast in a north-easterly direction and has not been contained or controlled.
Goldfields Highway has been closed from north of Kalgoorlie to Menzies in both directions as crews remain at the scene.
Firefighters are currently stopping traffic as they await backup to douse the flames.
It comes after a horrific weekend for emergency services as crews battled over 100 fires in the southern half of the state.
Stay up to date with the latest bushfire alerts by visiting emergency.wa.gov.au