Evacuation routes blocked amid Perth bushfire emergency

A raging bushfire in Perth has sparked a fire emergency, as evacuation routes were blocked by the blaze.

The fire in the Perth Hills destroyed buildings and left roads like the Great Eastern Highway closed after it broke out about 2pm (5pm AEDT).

It quickly jumped to an emergency level, impacting areas including Beechina, Chidlow and Wooroloo.

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Sheds were quickly up in flames and homes were surrounded as the blaze burned through more than 70 hectares and forced residents to evacuate.

Thankfully, no homes have been damaged at this stage but at least one derelict home has been impacted and there are reports of damage to sheds.

The bushfire started to slow down a bit this afternoon, allowing firefighting teams to start getting on top of it.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services provided an update on the fire this afternoon, revealing it was sparked accidentally by machinery.

"We currently have 160 personnel on site with approximately 50 fire appliances from both volunteer and career fire and rescue," district officer Shaun Champ said.

The emergency warning for the Beechina was downgraded to watch and act, resulting in the evacuation centre at Mundaring Arena being closed.

There's remained a possible threat to lives and homes as the fire was contained, so residents were being asked to monitor conditions and warnings.

Despite the downgrade, a number of roads remained closed tonight including the Great Eastern Highway in both directions between Great Southern Highway and Old Northam Road.

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