A bushfire emergency warning is in place for residents south of Perth as an out-of-control fire tears through the area.
Waroona and Murray Shire residents have been told to evacuate now while 145 firefighters and volunteers battle the blaze, which has already torn through at least 1780 hectares of land since it was sparked at a forest yesterday afternoon.
An emergency warning has been issued for those bounded by Pinjarra Williams Road to the north, Scarp Road and Farley Road to the east, Tallathalla Road to the south and South Western Highway to the west.
READ MORE: Two men hospitalised, another under police guard after alleged stabbing attack
It also encompasses Meelon Townsite and Marrarup Nature Reserve and for people west of Nanga Road in southern parts of Lane Poole Reserve, west of the Nanga Townsite.
There is a threat to home and lives, the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said.
Residents affected are urged to leave now if the way is clear or shelter in their homes if they cannot leave.
For those who are not home, it is too dangerous to return.
DFES said the fire is "spreading with strong winds in difficult to access steep and hilly terrain".
"The fire ground is experiencing fresh and gusty winds this morning, decreasing into the evening. People in the area should remain vigilant in case the fire behaviour escalates again," DFES said.
READ MORE: Teenage boy dies, another critical after crash in remote NSW town
Several roads, including Nanga Brook Road from Scarp Road Nanga Road from River Road, have been closed.
Motorists are told to avoid the area.
A Watch and Act alert is in place for those in parts of Oakley, Blythewood and Coolup, who are in firing line as the blaze moves west.
There is a possible threat to those bounded by Tallathalla Road to the north, South Western Highway to the west, Peel Road, Scarp Road and Nanga Brook Road to the south and Nanga Road to the east in for parts of Waroona and Nanga Brook and for people north of Pinjarra-Williams Road bounded by Oakley Dam to the north, Mayfield Road to the west and Somers Road to the south.
Residents unprepared or planning to leave should do so now if the way is clear, and those planning to defend their homes should make final preparations now.
Keep up to date with emergency warnings here.
