Western Australia bushfire threatens lives and homes in Pilbara region

An alert for a bushfire in Western Australia's Pilbara region has again been elevated to the highest level as it threatens lives and homes.

The watch and act alert is for people in the iron ore mining town of Tom Price and the western part of the Karijini National Park in the Shire of Ashburton.

The fire is out of control, unpredictable and moving quickly west southwest.

People not prepared or planning to leave should do so now if the way is clear.

Those prepared to actively defend their homes should make final preparations now.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is warning people not at home not to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

A number of roads have been closed including Bingarn Road.

Twenty firefighters are on the scene strengthening containment lines, assisted by crews from local mine sites.

The cause of the blaze is unknown.

The fire had been downgraded to an alert level earlier today but changing conditions increased the threat.