Fire approaching WA houses

A fire is approaching houses near Nambeelup, south of Perth.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a watch and act alert to residents around Hopeland Road and Elliott Road in the Shire of Murray, warning of ember attacks around houses ahead of the main blaze.

The DFES earlier issued an emergency warning after fears the fire would threaten residences, but conditions eased and the warning was downgraded.

The fire started on Yangedi Road and is burning out of control in a northerly direction.

The department has urged residents to leave the area in a northerly direction along Hopeland Road or Henderson Road, but only if it is safe to do so.