Residents urged to leave or defend

Firefighters are battling to contain an out of control bushfire raging near Boyatup and Howick, near Esperance, which has destroyed 1800ha so far.

A bushfire watch and act has been issued for people near Muntz Road, Henkes Road and Shao Lu Road in parts of Boyatup and Howick.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes. People in the area have been urged to leave or get ready to actively defend.

The blaze is moving in a northerly direction. Its cause is unknown.

Keep up to date by visiting emergency.wa.gov.au, phoning 13 DFES, following DFES on Twitter or Facebook, or listening to ABC Local Radio.