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WA residents warned to be on alert

Bushfire warnings in Western Australia have been downgraded, with firefighters now focused on mopping-up and containment in milder conditions.

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Source: AAP, SBS


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Bushfire warnings in Western Australia have been downgraded, with firefighters now focused on mopping-up and containment in milder conditions.

But authorities have alerted residents of high risk areas north of Perth to the possibility rapid changes in the situation.

Road closures, meanwhile, remain in place.

Catastrophic fire warnings had earlier been issued for the West Australian coastal towns of Lancelin and Ledge Point, plus Ocean Farm and Seaview Park estates, about 120km north of Perth.

Locals were advised to to leave early if they opt not to stay and defend their properties.

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The warnings, which was downgraded to a bushfire "advice" alert on Wednesday morning, included Giedgegannup and communities west of the Brand Highway, also north of Perth.

Fire bans remain in place throughout most of the state's south-west.

The Fire and Emergency Authority issued a statement saying although there was no immediate danger to residents in fire-affected areas, "people need to keep up to date in case the situation changes".

"The bushfire that started near Moore River National Park yesterday afternoon following a lightning strike, has been contained but some smoke will still be visible," the statement said. "Remapping of the fire this morning has shown it has burnt around 4,300 hectares."

A FESA spokesman said up to 150 personnel from FESA, the Department of Environment and Conservation, the Forest Products Commission and police and volunteer bushfire brigades were mopping up and patrolling containment lines.

Wednesday's forecast is for temperatures over 31 degrees with fresh winds moving from the north-west to the south-west during the day.

The milder weather has provided some respite for firefighters who have been battling blazes in near-40 degree temperatures for the past four days.


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