Bushfire edging close to homes in WA

Lives and homes are under threat from a bushfire sparked by lightning in Western Australia's Great Southern region.

A watch and act alert has been issued for people in the Cheynes Beach town site in the southern part of Waychinicup National Park in the Shire of Albany.

"There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching the area and conditions are changing," the Department of Fire and Emergency Services said.

"You need to leave or get ready to actively defend."

The small fire started south of Cheynes Beach Road and is burning towards the coast.

The flames are moving slowly in a southerly direction but DFES warns that burning embers are likely to be blown around homes.

Firefighters are expecting the wind to change from northwesterly to southwesterly in the afternoon, which could place homes in the Cheynes Beach town site in danger.