Fast-moving bushfire threatening lives and homes in Augusta

A bushfire emergency warning has been issued as a blaze threatens lives and homes in the South West WA town of Augusta, with windy conditions hampering firefighting efforts.

The fire started near the Bussell Highway and the Westbay Retreat Caravan Park in Augusta, about 300 kilometres south of Perth.

The fire is burning on both sides of Bussell Highway in paddocks and moving fast in northerly direction. It is out of control and unpredictable.

While the fire appears to be moving away from town, there are a number of properties in its path.

Caves Road from Stockdill Road to Bussell Highway is closed in both directions.

External Link: Tweet: Anthony Pancia Additional emergency services now heading for Augusta - Video

Firefighters save homes

Shire of Augusta chief bushfire control officer Dave Holland told ABC Radio Perth firefighters had managed to save a number of homes.

"We've managed to keep it away from a number of houses," he said.

"As far as I'm aware [the people at the caravan park] are all safe.

Smoke fills the horizon, shining down on a truck in the fields.

He said firefighters were grappling with winds blowing up to 60 kilometres per hour, whipping up the flames.

"It's causing us a few problems, but we seem to be coping OK," he said.

"The cooler night will assist us. We've got 80 firefighters on the ground at the moment performing a direct attack on the fire."

There is an evacuation centre at the Centennial Hall on Blackwood Avenue, and another at the Margaret River Cultural and Recreation Centre.

An emergency warning Google map showing the area affected by the Augusta fire.

Fire very close to town

Local butcher Archie Brooks told the ABC he believed a large number of housing units on the side of Bussell Highway were in danger.

"There's a big pile of smoke just coming back from West Bay Caravan Park retreat," he said.

"There's all dense bushland heading back through, a lot of housing units through to the left of it on Bussell Highway. All of those are in danger."

Mr Brooks said he was helping a friend collect his belongings and get out of the area.

Cars queue on the side of the Bussell Highway with a plume of smoke in the background.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued the following advice to people in the area:

If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.
Do not wait and see — leaving at the last minute is deadly.
If your plan is to stay and actively defend your home, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.
If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it.
If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.
Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.