Harvey fire: Bushfire ‘watch and act’ warning issued for town south of Perth

A bushfire alert for residents in Western Australia’s Bunbury region has been downgraded after residents were earlier warned their lives were at risk.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday afternoon downgraded its warning for parts of Wellesley in the Shire of Harvey after a blaze ignited at 2am.

Earlier, it had warned homes in Wellesley Road North and Bernbrooke Place were under immediate threat of fire.

The threat was downgraded after fire crews contained the blaze on Saturday afternoon, however it was still not under control.

About 60 firefighters were battling the fire, which was moving south.

“If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear,” Emergency WA said in its updated advice.

“If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.

“If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.”

Those who planned to stay and actively defend their homes were advised not to rely on mains water pressure, which may have been affected.

“You need to have access to an independent water supply, and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires,” the authority said.

Aerial support has been sent to protect crews and homes.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to the smoke.