Blaze burning near Kemerton in the Shire of Harvey ‘suspicious’

An out-of-control bushfire in the Shire of Harvey which yesterday burnt more than 200ha and forced people to evacuate their homes is believed to be suspicious.

The blaze north of Kemerton was first reported at about 4.30pm, before being upgraded to emergency level about 6pm, where it remained for four hours.

It was downgraded to Watch and Act at 10.05pm, and remains at Watch and Act level this morning.

Eighty Department of Parks and Wildlife Service and Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service firefighters are battling the blaze – which is being treated as suspicious – and a temporary evacuation centre was set up at Leschenault Leisure Centre.

At least three waterbombers and two helicopters assisted from the air, the choppers appearing to refill from dams in nearby farmland.

The fire began about 4km east of Forrest Highway, near the Treasure Road and Wellesley Road North intersection, and both roads remain closed from Forrest Highway.

A bushfire advice was also issued for the area bounded by Runnymede Road, Wellesley Road North and Rhodes Road.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is asking motorists to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke.