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Fire warning downgraded for blaze which threatened lives and homes in High Wycombe

Phil Hickey and Daryna ZadvirnaThe West Australian
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An emergency bushfire in High Wycombe is threatening homes.
Camera IconAn emergency bushfire in High Wycombe is threatening homes. Credit: 7NEWS/7NEWS

Abushfire in the north-eastern part of High Wycombe, which threatening lives and homes, has been contained.

An emergency warning was sent out for people in the vicinity of Norwich Way and Lambertia Crescent after a fire started near the intersection just after 11.30am.

This afternoon the Department of Fire and Emergency Services said the fire alert had been downgraded to “watch and act” after crews managed to contain the blaze.

An aerial view of the fire ground.
Camera IconAn aerial view of the fire ground. Credit: 7NEWS/7NEWS

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Residents were on high alert this morning, with the blaze inching dangerously close to a housing estate.

“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes,” DFES said in an earlier statement.

“If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home.”

Fire crews are in a desperate bid to contain the flames.
Camera IconFire crews are in a desperate bid to contain the flames. Credit: 7NEWS/7NEWS

Some roads may be closed and motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce their speed and drive carefully due to smoke.

Firefighters remain on the scene, fighting the fire.

Residents watch on as helitacs and DFES fight an emergency bushfire in High Wycombe.
Camera IconResidents watch on as helitacs and DFES fight an emergency bushfire in High Wycombe. Credit: Daryna Zadvirna/The West Australian

Despite the DFES warning, many residents decided to stay and watch the blaze at Hawkesvale Reserve

About four hectares of bushland has burned so far with about 75 firefighters and 30 fire trucks trying to contain the bushfire.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Torbjorg Jenssen, 80, has lived on Buttercup Crescent for more than 18 years and said this is the third time there has been a bushfire on her doorstep.

Residents watch on as helitacs and DFES fight an emergency bushfire in High Wycombe.
Camera IconResidents watch on as helitacs and DFES fight an emergency bushfire in High Wycombe. Credit: Daryna Zadvirna/The West Australian

“I can’t panic because it happens,” she said.

“I think it’s terrible but the firefighters are doing great job.”

Mrs Jenssen was alerted to the fire about an hour and half ago by a neighbour but has decided to stay at her property.

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