Firefighters are fighting a deliberately lit bushfire about 50km west of Denmark as the out-of-control blaze heads towards homes.
Aerial support has been sent in to assist ground crews with the fire, which started in Nornalup Road, Middle Road and Boronia Road.
Since it was reported to emergency services at 3.50am on April 25, the blaze has spread with multiple fires are now burning in the southern part of the Walpole Wilderness Area in the Shire of Denmark.
At 2.34pm, the Parks and Wildlife Service upgraded the alert to watch and act and confirmed the WA Police arson squad is investigating.
There is a possible threat to lives and homes in the area bounded by Kangaroo Road, Middle Road, Valley of the Giants Road, Hazelvale Road and Talbot Road in parts of Hazelvale, Tingledale, Bow Bridge and Trent.
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 plan to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. You need to have access to an independent water supply, and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.
- Keep doors and windows closed and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
- If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.
An advice-level alert is also in place for the area northeast of the uncontained blaze in the areas of Nornalup and Middle Road junction, and the Middle and Boronia Road junction.
Drivers are asked to avoid the area or drive carefully if nearby with Middle and Boronia Roads on the Munda Biddi Track closed to vehicles.
Cyclists can pass the road closure points but must be alert to fire management vehicles in the area.
People are asked to report any suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
PWS at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is managing the fire.
Visit Emergency WA, call 13 DFES (13 33 37), follow DFES on Facebook, listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR, or news bulletins.