Wedge Island fire: Residents north of Perth told to evacuate as bushfire escalates to an emergency

Residents north of Perth have been told to evacuate as an out of control bushfire rages through parts of Wedge Island, Cooljarloo and Dandaragan.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services escalated the bushfire to an emergency on Tuesday morning for people in Wedge surrounded by Indian Ocean Drive and Woola Road and parts of Wedge Island, Cooljarloo and Dandaragan.

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

“There is a threat to lives and homes. Leave in a northerly direction towards Cervantes, if it is safe to do so.

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

Water bombers and ground crew are actively working to fight the blaze.

An evacuation centre has been opened at Jurien Bay Sport and Recreation Centre.

The bushfire was first reported at 10.54am on Monday near Meadows Road and Indian Ocean Drive in Mimegarra.

The fire is moving in a north-west direction.

Meadows Road and parts of Indian Ocean Drive between K W and Cervantes roads remain closed.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area.