A major fire that destroyed a Bunnings warehouse in suburban Perth last night sparked a chemical warning and forced the evacuation of nearby homes.
The fire was reported just after 9pm last night at the Bunnings on the corner of Eighth Avenue and Beaufort Street, in Inglewood.
About 100 firefighters were called to the scene, with one witness saying flames had reached almost eight metres high.
Streams of sparks and loud popping sounds could be heard from the blaze.
Police officers on the ground were moving people back, warning there was a risk of an explosion from pressurised gas cannisters.
The area was crowded as a section of Beaufort Street was closed for a popular night food market at the time.
Residents on Seventh and Eighth avenues were evacuated as potentially toxic smoke filled the area, blanketing streets and homes.
An evacuation centre was established at the Inglewood Civic Centre for people forced to leave their homes.
Orange glow visible from blocks away
Dan Humble, 22, was staying at a house on Eighth Avenue when he heard the commotion.
"We heard some banging and popping, from the house," he said.
"We came outside and saw an orange glow in the sky."
Tash Graham, 24, said the flames at one point reached almost eight metres.
"It's a bit scary, for sure," she said.
People in the area were last night being advised to stay in their homes, with doors and windows closed and air conditioners switched off.
People with medical concerns were urged to contact their local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.
Power was cut to a number of homes in the area.
No casualties have been reported, according to St John Ambulance WA, but they remained on standby during the blaze.
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