Two homes lost as fire rages out of control

Updated

Two homes have been destroyed by a bushfire in Western Australia's south-west.

One of the houses burnt to the ground was the historic Southampton Homestead, built in 1862, which was 12 kilometres south of the small town of Balingup.

More than 200 personnel, six aircraft and three helicopter water bombers are being used to fight the out-of-control blaze in forest between Bridgetown and Nannup.

The blaze, one of 16 started by lightning strikes on Tuesday, has burned through 3,000 hectares and is continuing to pose a risk to lives and homes.

It has crossed the Blackwood River and is moving in a north-easterly direction.

Firefighters say they have contained the north-east section of the fire, but it could take another 48 hours to contain the southern front near the Blackwood Valley.

The fire is threatening residents in a large area of rural land which includes the Greenbushes townsite and Dalgarup.

Residents of Greenbushes, Hester Brook, Wandillup, Maranup and Southampton have been advised to leave if it is safe to do so.

Those in the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes are being told to place a green bag on their mail box or gate to advise firefighters they have left.

A watch and act warning remains in place for residents in the Kin Kin area.

Authorities have held an emergency meeting for residents at the Bridgetown recreation centre, which is also the relocation point.

Other fires also sparked by Tuesday's lightning are currently within containment lines, but conditions are hot and dry with variable winds meaning the situation could change rapidly if they break lines.

There are a number of water bombers assisting the firefighters.

Topics: bushfire, nannup-6275

First posted