A bushfire emergency warning has been issued for multiple suburbs in Perth's south, with lives and homes under threat. The fire is out of control and moving fast in a westerly direction, according to authorities.
Residents in Oakford, Casuarina, The Spectacles, Mandogalup, Banjup, Hammond Park, Bertram, Forrestdale, Aubin Grove, Wandi, Wellard, Anketell and Oldbury are urged to act immediately to survive. The emergency warning covers an area bounded by Rowley Road, Kwinana Freeway, Mortimer Road, King Road and Thomas Road.
An evacuation centre has been set up at Briggs Park Pavilion on the corner of Mead Street and Gordin Way in Byford. Social visits to Casuarina Prison have been cancelled as a precaution, though the Department of Justice confirmed the fire is not posing a direct threat to the prison at this time but is being closely monitored.
Firefighters are on scene with water bombers providing aerial support. Conditions are extremely difficult for crews, with easterly winds and a maximum temperature of 35 degrees Celsius expected. The fire started near the Modong Nature Reserve in Oakford.
