Homes east of Perth threatened by fire
Update, 8pm: Authorities say the intensity of bushfires raging near Bullsbrook has decreased but there is still an immediate threat to lives and homes.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued an emergency warning and has urged people in Shady Hills, including people in Shady Hills View, Gibbard Place, Clarkson Road, Taylor Road, Foaling Ridge and Auger Place and people west of Walyunga National Park between Stock Road and Walyunga Road to Railway Parade in Bullsbrook to evacuate immediately.
"Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly," DFES said.
The blaze started near the intersection of Oakover Road and Railway Parade and was reported just before noon. Flames from the fire were up to four metres high this afternoon.
DFES spokesman Allen Gale said the fires had started along a freight rail line around the same time. Mr Gale said the fire could have been triggered by sparks from a train used for transporting iron ore through the area.
However, the the fire's cause is still being investigated.
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The rail line, which is WA's main rail link to the eastern States, has been closed.
A shed in Herne Hill has been destroyed by the blaze and a shed was also reportedly on fire in Middle Swan.
DFES said several fires are burning in the area, including four in the Walyunga National Park.
Spokesman Allen Gale said the fires were about 2km apart and were close to joining up.
More than 80 fire fighters in 30 trucks, an air intelligence helicopter and two helitacs are at the scene.
Traffic was reportedly banking up in the area and motorists are being encouraged to stay away.
Those who can't leave their homes are being told to prepare to shelter and actively defend their properties.
People still in the area are being asked to leave in a northerly direction along Clarkson Road.
Residents outside the area are being warned it is too dangerous to return to their homes.
A relocation point has been set up at Pickett Park Hall and Swan Park Leisure Centre, which was used as a relocation point earlier today, has been closed.
A community meeting will be held at 9.30pm at Pickett Park Hall.
All children were collected from Upper Swan Primary School and Bullsbrook District High School.
Bullsbrook District High School will be closed tomorrow.
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Nearby Walyunga Road residents were also warned of fires in the Walyunga National Park which were approaching homes.
DFES says the fires continue to pose a potential threat to lives and homes.
DFES has issued a watch and act alert for people west of Great Northern Highway, from Butternab Road to Lage Road to Railway Parade. People in the area are being urged to put their bushfire survival plans into action.
Those not prepared are being told to evacuate the area.
Department of Environment and Conservation fire crews are on their way to the scene.
A helicopter helps firefighting efforts at Walyunga National Park. Picture: David Ridgway
Closures are in place on Rutland Road, Warbrook Road, Walyunga Road, Great Northern Highway from Rutland Road to West Swan Road.
Traffic is being diverted south on West Swan Road and vehicles are unable to travel north from West Swan Road on the Great Northern Highway.
The Walyunga National Park and Walyunga Road are also closed.
People from Herne Hill to Bullsbrook, east of the Great Northern Highway, are also on alert.
An advice warning has been issued for people in the area who are being encouraged to watch for signs of fire and monitor their surroundings.
The emergency warning is the second for the City of Swan in two days. Yesterday afternoon an emergency warning was issued after a fire threatened homes in Upper Swan.
A resident protects their property near the fires.
An advice warning is still in place from the fire for people south of Warbrook Road, west of Almeria Parade, north of Millhouse Road and The Promenade and east of Charlottes Vista and Halden Road in Bullsbrook, Ellenbrook, Upper Swan, Belhus, Aveley and The Vines.
The fire is contained and under control and poses no threat to lives or homes.
However, fire crews are concerned about strong wind gusts and active fires in the area and people are being encouraged to stay alert and watch for signs of fire.
In Northam, people near Redcourte Road, O'Driscoll Street and Berry Brow Road in the southern part of Bakers Hill have been issued an advice alert.
The fire started between Berry Brow Road and Redcourte Road and poses no threat to lives or homes.
People in the area are being urged to monitor their surroundings.
