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'Too late to leave': Three homes destroyed in out-of-control bushfire

At least three homes are believed to have been destroyed, as residents flee an out-of-control bushfire in the small town of Wooroloo near the Perth Hills.

Western Australia's Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued an emergency warning for the blaze which is moving fast in a northwesterly direction.

Aerial footage shows the fire had already claimed at least one house and another structure, and is burning close to a number of other properties.

Smoke caused by a bushfire in the Perth hills suburb of Wooroloo rises behind the Perth city skyline on Monday, February 1, 2021. AAP Image/Richard Wainwright) NO ARCHIVING
Smoke caused by a bushfire in the Perth hills suburb of Wooroloo rises behind the Perth city skyline on Monday, February 1, 2021. AAP Image/Richard Wainwright) NO ARCHIVING

DFES incident controller Murray McBride told the ABC another two houses were believed to be destroyed and one fire truck incinerated.

A firefighter was also injured, suffering minor burns but was continuing to help fight the blaze, he said.

For people east of Bailup Road and west of Toodyay Road, the DFES said it's too late to leave.

"Leaving now would be deadly."

"You need to shelter in your home in a room away from the fire front and make sure you can easily escape."

Residents are advised to close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air-conditioning.

People west of Bailup Road should leave if the way is clear by travelling north along Bailup Road or Mayo Road.

An evacuation centre has been set up at Brown Park Recreation Complex on Amherst Road in Swan View.

Wooroloo falls into the Perth Metropolitan area which is subject to a five-day lockdown due to a COVID-19 community outbreak.

DFES said anyone forced to leave their homes should wear a mask and continue to follow precautions, including maintaining appropriate physical distancing.

Firefighters are battling the blaze with aerial support and a number of roads have been closed.

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