DFES issues major bushfire warning for residents in Dunsborough, WA

Authorities have warned residents of Dunsborough in West Australia to avoid the area as a major bushfire threatens homes.

An emergency bushfire warning has been issued for Dunsborough, in Western Australia's South West. Picture: ABC

Authorities have downgraded a bushfire warning to watch and act as residents of the coastal town of Dunsborough in West Australia’s south west are being urged to avoid the area.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issued the bushfire warning for Dunsborough in the City of Busselton at 4.51pm on Sunday.

It was downgraded to a watch and act - avoid the area - about 6.45pm on Sunday.

The watch and act remains in place for those people bounded by Hansen St and Beach Rd to the north, Gifford Rd to the east, Caves Rd to the south and Cape Naturaliste Rd to the west in Dunsborough.

A Community meeting will take place at 7pm at the Naturaliste Community Centre

Residents of Dunsborough, in Western Australia's South West are being told to leave now as a bushfire nears. Picture: ABC

The warning remains in place for people bounded by Hansen St and Beach Rd to the north, Gifford Rd to the east, Caves Rd to the south and Cape Naturaliste Rd.

“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive,” DFES stated.

“There is a threat to lives and homes.

“If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place. This may be with family or friends away from the area.

“Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger.”

An emergency bushfire warning has been issued for Dunsborough, in Western Australia's South West. Picture: ABC

Large plumes of smoke could be seen in the area. Picture: ABC

Evacuation centres has been open at Naturaliste Community Centre, 21 Dunsborough Lakes Dr, Dunsborough.

“Please take any essential items such as medications and identification to the evacuation centre,” DFES stated.

“Pets (except recognised assistance animals) are not allowed inside evacuation centres for health and safety reasons, so you should make alternative arrangements for them.”

Meanwhile, a Bushfire Watch and Act warning remains is in place for people bound by Beach Rd to the north, Gifford Rd to the west, Dun Bay Rd to the south and the coast to the east.

More to come.

Originally published as DFES issues major bushfire warning for residents in Dunsborough, WA