Bushfire south of Perth that placed homes and livestock under threat downgraded

A bushfire burning south of Perth has been downgraded after placing homes and livestock under threat.

A dozen ground fire crews and aerial support were called to two locations near Tonkin Highway in Oakford and Hilbert.

At about 4:20pm, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services alerted the public to two separate fires near the highway, one at Thomas Road and another at Oaklawn Street.

The blaze near Thomas Road was in grassland and is believed to be sparked by a caravan that became engulfed in flames.

The bushfire was moving fast in a north easterly direction and at 5pm was burning out of control.

People in the impacted area — bound by Rowley Road, Tonkin Highway, Thomas Road and Kargotich Road — were advised to leave if the way is clear, in a westerly direction.

The fire was downgraded to an advice level within an hour before residents were given the all clear at 9pm.

As the fire tore through trees along the side of the highway, WA Police and Main Roads closed a portion of it to traffic.

Thomas Road was closed to motorists between Kargotich Road and Tonkin Highway.

While Tonkin Highway was closed between Thomas Road and Rowley Road.

Vision from the scene showed the northern fire in Hilbert came just metres from homes, saved at the eleventh hour by attending fire fighters.

WHAT TO DO:

• If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.
• If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.
• If you plan to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. You need to have access to an independent water supply and start patrolling your property to put out spot fires.
• Keep doors and windows closed and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
• If you are not at home, do not try to return, as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

For more information and updates, view www.emergency.wa.gov.au.