A bushfire emergency warning has been issued for the South West town of Meerup after a blaze escaped containment lines.
The Department of Fire and Emergency has warned residents bounded by the emergency alert to act immediately to survive as there is a threat to lives and homes.
The blaze was upgraded to an emergency warning just after 9pm on Friday when the fire escaped containment lines on Summertime 4WD track.
The bushfire is moving in a northerly direction with a possible threat to properties to the south of Northcliffe.
The fire is not contained or controlled.
The warning is in place for people south of Double Bridge Road, west of Windy Harbour Road, north of Summertime 4WD track, and east of Ladhams Road.
If the way is clear, people are urged to leave now for a safe place and leave in a northerly direction along Windy Harbour Road.
A temporary evacuation centre has been opened at the Manjimup Sports Pavilion on Arnott Street.
People who can’t leave must shelter before the fire arrives in a room that has running water and a clear exit to easily escape.
Windy Harbour Road is closed south of Ladhams Road, south of Chesapeake Road and at Windy Harbour townsite.
Summertime track is also shut as well as numerous roads between the Southwest Highway, Windy Harbour Road, and south of Middleton Road.
About 190 emergency services personnel are responding to the fire with firefighters working to strengthen containment lines.
