WA bushfire threatens lives, homes

An out-of-control bushfire is threatening lives south of Perth despite the initial emergency warning being downgraded to a watch and act.

An emergency warning had been issued for the southern part of Furnissdale in the Mandurah area, where spot fires are appearing ahead of the main front.

Emergency WA said some houses were no longer under threat but there was still a risk to lives and houses given the dangerous conditions and unpredictability of the fire.

A watch and act alert for a separate blaze in Ellenbrook, Lexia and Whiteman in the City of Swan has been downgraded to an advice as it has been contained and controlled.