Smoke haze blankets Perth, SW

A smoke haze blankets Perth. Picture: Lee Griffith/The West Australian

Update, 5.45pm Thick smoke haze blanketing Perth from an out of control bushfire in karri forest in the South West is set to continue for the rest of the week.

FESA incident controller John Tillman said smoke from the fire had reached Geraldton.

"There is quite a bit of smoke which is currently being generated from the fire and as those internal fires continue to blaze, it continue to be generated," he said.

The south east winds have been pushing that across the west coast through the Margaret River region and the south west sea breeze has been picking it up and taking it as far as Geraldton.

Mr Tillman warned people in Perth could expect to see the thick smoke haze blanketing the city for the rest of the week.

Department of Environment and Conservation information officer Drew Griffiths said firefighters battled overnight to contain a 100ha spot fire, which broke over the fire's northern boundary, near the town last night.

"Crews forced it into a recent prescribed burn and stopped it," he said. "There is increasing confidence but the community should remain alert."The fire has now burned 15,500ha and is expected to burn through about 30,00ha.

The fire has been contained within control boundaries and a breakout from last night has been contained. However, large pockets within control lines remain unburnt.

"There is still significant work to do to make the fire safe," DEC said in a statement.

DEC also warns residents between Cape Leeuwin and Jurien Bay that a smoke alert is in place.

Smoke is highly visible in Pemberton, Manjimup, Northcliffe, Bridgetown, Nannup, Augusta and surrounding rural areas. Motorists should take extra care on Muir Highway, South-Western Highway, Vasse Highway, Wheatley Coast Road, Pemberton-Northcliffe Road and Middleton Road where smoke is dense and is visibility is less than 100 metres.

The smoke is expected to drift north and towards the west coast this evening when is expected to be highly visible from Cape Leeuwin to Jurien Bay.

People in the affected areas with health conditions exacerbated by smoke should take precautions.

A satellite issued by DEC this morning shows smoke from the fire spreading across the State's south-west corner.

Firefighters near Northcliffe yesterday. Picture: Georgia Loney/The West Australian