A bushfire is approaching a string of West Australian coastal towns north of Perth, with people in the area told to leave early if they are not staying to defend their property.
Fire may hit homes in the areas of Lancelin and Ledge Point, Ocean Farm and Seaview Park at about 10am (WST) on Tuesday, the WA Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) says, although efforts to slow down its advance are succeeding.
"If the way is clear, leave for your safer place now and take your survival kit with you. Relocating at the last minute is deadly," DEC said in a statement issued at midnight.
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A relocation emergency centre is being established within Lancelin sports centre - about 120km from Perth - and will be operational from 7am on Tuesday.
Residents of Ocean Farms have been advised to use Ocean Farm Lane to Indian Ocean Drive, and not Nilgen or KW Road.
The public has been told to also heed the advice of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.
Danger of 'ember attacks'
More than 50 personnel from DEC, the Forest Products Commission and volunteer bushfire brigades from the shires of Gingin and Dandaragan are on the scene, supported by a number of bulldozers and front-end loaders.
Emergency services personnel from WA Police and FESA also are working with DEC.
At midnight, the bushfire was moving about 1km/h across open paddocks and banksia woodlands in the Moore River National Park, driven by east-southeast winds, but by about 2.15am, the fired had slowed down considerably.
"Embers are likely to be blown around homes and spot fires may start ahead of the main fire. The fire has burnt through approximately 2000 hectares," the department said at midnight.
Roads to be closed are: Mimegarra Road from Dingo Road to Cowalla Road; Orange Springs Road from Brand Highway; Sappers Road from KW Road to Cowalla Road; Nilgen Road from Dingo Road to KW Road; Cowalla Road from Orange Springs Road to Sappers Road.
The public have been advised to call 1300 657 209, visit www.fesa.wa.gov.au, www.dec.wa.gov.au or listen to local radio news bulletins.
