Two homes destroyed by bushfire in WA's south-west
An out-of-control bushfire is continuing to threaten lives and homes in Western Australia's South West region with two properties destroyed.
An emergency warning remains in place for parts of Southampton and Cundinup in the Shires of Donnybrook and Nannup.
So far around 2500 hectares of national forest has been burnt, but the full extent of the fire is yet to be determined.
The communities in southwest WA at risk. Nine
Smoke filling the skies. Ashley White Nine/Supplied
Fire can be seen at the mine site at Greenbushes. Roger Harrison Nine/Supplied
At least two homes have been burnt and at least five sheds and machinery have been destroyed in the blaze so far with authorities warning the dangerous fire remains out of control.
Fire crews have been working shifts up to 22 hours to get this fire under control with the steep bushland making it gruelling and strenuous task for the crews.
The fire has currently been burning for around 40 hours and crews say it is still out of control and unpredictable and very dangerous.
"There is a threat to lives and homes," the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services warned.
"You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive."
A watch-and-act warning is in place for Balingup and other parts of Southampton.
Residents have been urged to leave for a safer place if the path is clear but some roads have been closed.
Authorities have stressed the fire is now causing an immediate threat to lives. Elsie Evans Nine/Supplied
Fire crews on hand to tackle the blaze near wrights bridge. Nine/Supplied
Smoke and fire heading toward lush forests. Pepi Grey Nine/Supplied
Burning embers are also likely to be blown around homes, DFES warns.
A temporary evacuation centre has been established at the Nannup Recreation and Community Centre.
About 200 firefighters are battling the blaze and building containment lines.
The blaze was reported on Tuesday afternoon and has burnt about 2300 hectares.
An investigation has now been launched, with early reports believing a harvester could have sparked the blaze.
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