'Act immediately to survive': Bushfire emergency in Western Australia's southwest

Authorities in WA's southwest region are warning people to "act immediately to survive" as an out-of-control fire threatens lives and homes.

The Augusta fire from Boranup Lookout. Source: Facebook - Gary Ingram/Ecoadventures Margaret River

Lives and homes are in danger from an out-of-control and fast-moving bushfire in Western Australia's popular southwest tourism region.

An emergency warning was issued for parts of Augusta with the blaze, which began near Westbay Retreat Caravan Park, burning on both sides of Bussell Highway in paddocks.

The warning has since been expanded for people bounded by Stockdill Road, Bussell Highway, Challis Road, Blackwood River, Hillview Road, Green Hill Road and Caves Road.

"You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive," the Department of Fire and Emergency Services warned.

"If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place. Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly."

Shire of Augusta chief bushfire control officer Dave Holland told ABC Radio Perth that firefighters were grappling with winds blowing up to 60 kilometres per hour, whipping up the flames.

Mr Holland said that so far, firefighters had "managed to keep (the fire) away from a number of houses."

Evacuation centres have been established in Margaret River Cultural Centre for people located north of the fire and Augusta Centennial Hall for people located south of the fire.