An emergency warning is in place for Mowanjum Community in Western Australia’s Kimberley region as a bushfire threatens lives and homes.
The emergency warning was issued on Friday night for people in the Mowanjum Community in central parts of Derby in the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley.
Emergency WA said the alert level for the fire was upgraded as the community was under threat.
The Department of Communities has opened an evacuation centre at the Derby Recreation Centre.
People in the alert area were in danger and needed to act immediately to survive, with a threat to lives and homes.
The fire started near Derby Highway in Derby and was burning towards Mowanjum Community.
People are advised to leave for a safer place if the way is clear.
People who live in the Mowanjum Community should leave via Derby-Gibb River Road towards Derby.
If you are not at home, it is too dangerous to return.
People who are unable to leave are advised to prepare to shelter in their homes.
A bushfire watch and act alert is in place for people in an area south of Derby-Gibb River Road, northwest of Mowanjum Community down to Derby Highway, in central parts of Derby.
There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching and conditions are changing.