A fire that threatened lives and homes in the Aboriginal community of Cullacabardee on the outskirts of Perth has been downgraded.

An emergency warning was declared this evening after a fire began in scrubland near the community, about 22 kilometres north-east of Perth's CBD.

Residents in the community — which has a population of less than 50 people — were told to leave their homes as embers blew close to doorsteps.

About 20 firefighters managed to control the blaze in a little over an hour.

The fire blew embers close to doorsteps in the community of Cullacabardee. ( ABC News )

Authorities say the fire has yet to be contained, however, it is now stationary.

The fire has burnt through nine hectares of land, which is largely sparse banksia forest.

Firefighters said they would monitor the area for the rest of the night.

The fire was reported at 4:29pm near the intersection of Baal Street and Kookaburra Avenue in the south-west corner of the community.