A bushfire burning near the town of Beverley in Western Australia's Wheatbelt has been brought under control by firefighters after earlier threatening lives and homes.

An emergency warning had been issued for people south-east of Springhill Road, west of York-Williams Road and north of Westdale Road in parts of Dale, about 110 kilometres east of Perth.

But the alert was downgraded to an advice warning at 2:30pm, about one hour after it was sent out.

"The alert level for this fire has been downgraded as the fire is contained and under control," the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said.

"There is no threat to lives or homes.

"There is a lot of smoke in the area.

"Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes."

The blaze has burnt through 217 hectares and is now stationary, DFES said.

It said firefighters were patrolling the area and mopping up, and urged people to stay alert and monitor their surroundings.

Authorities earlier said the bushfire was out-of-control and was moving fast in a south-easterly direction.

Residents were told to leave their homes if the way was clear and it was safe.

The fire started near the intersection of Springhill Road and Cooke Road and was reported just before 1:00pm.

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