Bushfire smoke blankets Perth

Smoke from two out-of-control bushfires in Western Australia's far south has blanketed the Perth metropolitan area.

Residents woke on Friday morning to thick smoke from the fires, which are burning hundreds of kilometres from the city.

Lives and homes in Northcliffe and Boddington have been under threat from bushfires for the past week.

Authorities are asking people only to call triple-zero to report a new fire.

The Department of Health is warning people to avoid exposure to the haze, particularly the elderly, the very young and to people with respiratory or heart conditions.

People should take precautions including switching off airconditioners, shutting doors and windows, staying inside and limiting or foregoing outdoor exercise.