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Watch and act warning for WA bushfire

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Source: AAP


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A bushfire that has burned more than 11,000 hectares in the Shire of Jerramungup, Western Australia, could put lives at risk, authorities are warning.

A watch and act alert has been issued by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) for the Bremer Bay and Quaalup townships.

"The fire has not been fully contained or controlled. There is a possible threat to lives and homes as conditions are changing," a spokeswoman said.

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So far 11,170 hectares have been burned in the fire, which was caused by lightning.

There is heavy smoke in the area, which has led to the closure of several roads.

Bremer Bay Primary School was shut on Tuesday and will also be closed on Wednesday.

North-easterly and north-westerly winds on those days would put containment lines on the southern boundary of the fire to the test, the DEC spokeswoman warned.

If the fire breaks out from containment lines and burns into Bremer Bay, the Point Henry area is not considered to be defendable by either firefighters or householders.

Residents of both the Point Henry and Bremer Bay areas have been advised to leave early and stay with relatives or friends.

The Boxwood Hill Sports Club has been opened for those needing somewhere to stay until conditions improve. The Bremer Bay Sports Club would be used as a last resort.

The fire has entered the Fitzgerald River National Park, and the western part of the park is now shut.

About 130 firefighters are currently dealing with the blaze, with water bombers helping ground crews.

Separately on Tuesday, a bushfire advice was issued for people in the Moresby Range area, 20km north of Geraldton in the state's Mid West region.

The fire is burning in the proposed Moresby Range Conservation Reserve south of Wells Road and north of White Peak Road east of the North West Coastal Highway.

There is no threat to lives or homes but residents need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation worsens.


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