A deliberately lit bushfire is spreading through dry forest on Western Australia’s south coast with residents told to evacuate.
An emergency warning is place for areas north-east of Walpole in the Shire of Denmark — about 400km south of Perth.
It is part of the Walpole Wilderness Area known for its giant karri trees and dense forest.
Residents on edge overnight
Kel Bilgic’s parents live near Hazelvale Road and have been monitoring the approaching fire front all day.
Ms Bilgic said the wind seemed to be pushing the fire towards her parent’s property.
“It’s very close to the farm and my uncle’s farm,” she said.
“Dad is driving over the farm to keep an eye every 30 minutes.”
The blaze follows bushfire brigades on the south coast issuing a warning about a prolonged fire season due to low rainfall and dry fuel loads.
Kate Fleay lives south of the fire zone but has cattle in the evacuation area.
“It’s too late to get in there now so we will cross our fingers,” she said.
“The bush is parched a lot of the scrub is brown from no water.”
After a record-breaking hot summer and significant dry spell, ecologists have warned of bush dying off liking it to coral bleaching.
Cause of bushfire under investigation
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said the fire was reported just before 4am on Thursday.
“The cause of the fire is suspicious or deliberately lit,” it said.
A resident told the ABC several ignition points had been found along a gravel road in the area.
Authorities urged anyone who saw suspicious behaviour to call Crime Stoppers.
The fire has burned through more than 2000ha.
Warning area expanded
An emergency warning has been issued for those in area bounded by Kangaroo Road, Dingo Flat Road, Hazelvale Road, Loop Road, Collis Road, Valley of The Giants Road and Vigus Road and Trent Block to the north and east in parts of Hazelvale and Trent.
DFES has warned those in that area are in danger and need to act immediately.
Those in the fire zone are urged to leave in a westerly or southerly direction.
A watch and act warning is also in place for a larger area around the bushfire.
Popular mountain bike trail, the Munda Biddi is closed as well as the Boona Mundak camping hut.
For the latest bushfire information listen to ABC Great Southern on 630AM or the listen app. Or visit emergency.wa.gov.au