Police issue $25,000 reward for information on a 'suspicious' bushfire raging south of Perth - 9News

A reward has been issued for anyone who can help police identify an arsonist behind a bushfire that is threatening lives and homes south of Perth.

Waroona and Murray Shire residents have been told to act now as an out-of-control fire moves west, after already tearing through at least 1780 hectares of land since it started at Lane Poole Reserve in Nanga Brook about 12.15pm yesterday.

While hundreds of firefighters and volunteers battle to control the raging flames, strike force police officers are investigating its cause.

A bushfire emergency warning is in place for residents south of Perth in Waroona and Murray. (WA DFES)

Police today confirmed they are treating the fire as suspicious and urged anyone with information, vision, or who may have seen anything from 11am to 1pm that day, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

"Rewards of up to $25,000 are available for information that leads to the identification and conviction of an arsonist," police said.

An emergency warning was earlier issued for Waroona and Murray Shire residents bounded by Pinjarra Williams Road to the north, Scarp Road and Farley Road to the east, Tallathalla Road to the south and South Western Highway to the west.

It also encompasses Meelon Townsite and Marrarup Nature Reserve and for people west of Nanga Road in southern parts of Lane Poole Reserve, west of the Nanga Townsite.

The "unpredictable" fire is a threat to home and lives, the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said.

Residents affected are urged to leave now if the way is clear or shelter in their homes if they cannot leave. For those who are not home, it is too dangerous to return. 

DFES said the fire is "spreading with strong winds in difficult to access steep and hilly terrain".

A Watch and Act alert is in place for those in parts of Oakley, Blythewood and Coolup. (Nine)

"The fire ground is experiencing fresh and gusty winds this morning, decreasing into the evening. People in the area should remain vigilant in case the fire behaviour escalates again," DFES said.

Several roads, including Nanga Brook Road from Scarp Road Nanga Road from River Road, have been closed.

Motorists are told to avoid the area.

A Watch and Act alert is in place for those in parts of Oakley, Blythewood and Coolup, who are in firing line as the blaze moves west.

There is a possible threat to those bounded by Tallathalla Road to the north, South Western Highway to the west, Peel Road, Scarp Road and Nanga Brook Road to the south and Nanga Road to the east in for parts of Waroona and Nanga Brook and for people north of Pinjarra-Williams Road bounded by Oakley Dam to the north, Mayfield Road to the west and Somers Road to the south.

Residents unprepared or planning to leave should do so now if the way is clear, and those planning to defend their homes should make final preparations now. 

Keep up to date with emergency warnings here. 

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2024-03-24 01:45:05Z
CBMiggFodHRwczovL3d3dy45bmV3cy5jb20uYXUvbmF0aW9uYWwvd2VzdGVybi1hdXN0cmFsaWEtYnVzaGZpcmUtZW1lcmdlbmN5LXdhcm5pbmctd2Fyb29uYS1tdXJyYXkvYWNkMGEyZGQtOGRmYi00MzVjLThmYTAtNGE4YzdmZWNhMDI20gEA

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