Residents near Manjimup in Western Australia's south are being warned to get ready to leave their properties because of an out-of-control and unpredictable bushfire.
Emergency authorities are battling the blaze burning in the Dingup State Forest near Black Georges Road in Middlesex, around 10km south-east of Manjimup.
The state's Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) says the fire, with flames up to five metres high, is burning at medium speed towards properties to the south-west in the Peppermint Grove Road area.
An expected wind change could push the fire towards properties in the north-east, including the Muirs Highway and Black Georges Road area, DFES said.
Firefighters are expecting the wind to change from the north-west to south-west, which means homes to the north-east may also be threatened by fire.
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"There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching the area and conditions are changing," a spokeswoman said.
No roads have been closed yet. But motorists are being told to avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.
The fire is believed to have been caused by roadside burning by private landowners.
The Department of Parks and Wildlife is managing the fire.
