Update:
A BUSHFIRE in the eastern part of Gidgegannup remained a possible threat to lives and homes on Monday night, despite being downgraded to "watch and act" status.
During Monday afternoon the alert was at "emergency" level for people in an area bounded by Lilydale Road, Toodyay Road, Bailup Road, Dinsdale Road and Breeze Road, in the City of Swan.
At once stage those living on May Road, north of Dinsdale Road, were warned to stay where they are, as leaving would be deadly.
But at 6.25pm, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services advised the warning had been downgraded, although the blaze continued to move fast easterly in an unpredictable and out-of-control manner.
_______________________
RESIDENTS in the eastern part of Gidgegannup, in Perth's north-east, have been issued an emergency warning to leave the area.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued the alert for those near Toodyay Road, Mayo Road and Noble Falls as there is a threat to lives and homes, and conditions are changing.
Residents are advised to leave or get ready to actively defend as the fire is "out of control and unpredictable", according to DFES.
The fire is burning in bushland south of Toodyay Road between the Noble Falls Tavern and Mayo Road. Firefighters are on the scene.
"If you live east of Mayo Road, leave via Toodyay Road in an easterly direction. If you live west of Preedy Road, leave via Toodyay Road in a westerly direction," a DFES spokesperson said.
A number of roads have been closed including:
Toodyay Road at the intersections of Old Toodyay Road and Old Coach Road
Toodyay Road at the intersection of Bailup Road
Needham Road at the intersection of and Hopedale Road.
Channel Nine News reporter Ben Hennessy, at a roadblock on Toodyay Road told Radio 6PR that emergency services were out in force.
"I can see significant plumes of smoke and choppers are attacking that while lots of firefighters head toward the scene," he said.
"They are warning that ember attacks are occurring ahead of the main fire front."
The fire is believed to have started around noon, but the cause of the blaze is not yet known.
Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au .
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa, listen to ABC local radio, 6PR or news bulletins.
What to do
If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.
There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.
If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.
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 are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.
