EMERGENCY WARNING: Waroona bushfire threatening lives, homes as police probe more suspicious blazes

Arson investigators are currently investigating the cause of a bushfire that continues to rage across WA’s South West, threatening lives and homes.

An emergency warning remains for residents in an area west of the Nanga townsite, in the Shire of Waroona, due to a fast-moving bushfire that started in the State forest at about noon on Saturday.

At this time, the fire is being treated as suspicious, and Strike Force Vulcan officers urge anyone with any information relating to this fire, or who saw any suspicious persons, vehicles or activity in the area, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The bushfire emergency warning that is currently in place is for people bounded by Pinjarra Williams Road to the north, Scarp Road and Farley Road to the east, Tallathalla Road to the south and South Western Highway to the west, including Meelon townsite and Marrarup Nature Reserve and for people west of Nanga Road in southern parts of Lane Poole Reserve, west of the Nanga Townsite in the Shire of Murray and Shire of Waroona.

“The bushfire is moving in a westerly direction,” the latest DFES alert reads.

“It is out of control and unpredictable.”

A number of roads have been closed including Nanga Brook Road from Scarp Road and Nanga Road from River Road.

Residents in the firing line were warned to leave for a safer place and an evacuation centre was set up in Pinjarra.

Meanwhile, police revealed they were investigating the cause of a bushfire in Bedfordale on Friday that is being treated as suspicious.

Strike Force Vulcan officers have also called for information regarding a separate investigation of a series of blazes that started in Maddington between March 9 and 12 that threatened homes.

Several firefighters had to be treated for smoke inhalation while responding to one of the fires.