WA bushfires: Waroona fire breaks containment lines

Fires in Western Australia's South West region have broken containment lines near Lake Preston and may threaten the towns of Waroona and Cookernup.

A supplied image obtained Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016 of video footage from a Parks and Wildlife truck in the Shires of Harvey and Waroona in Western Australia. Source: AAP

An out-of-control bushfire in the South West region of Western Australia may pose a risk to lives and homes near Lake Preston.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services says the blaze is also threatening containment lines to the east of Cookernup and Waroona, with a possible risk to lives and homes for people in and around both towns.

The fire has broken containment lines near the intersection of Forrest Highway and Forestry Road.

DFES has issued a watch and act warning for the townships and for those living north of Forestry Road, east of the coast, south of Preston Beach and Johnston roads, and west of Nicholson and Gibbs roads.

It is advising residents to either leave or get ready to actively defend their properties.