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

Residents south of Cervantes have been told to evacuate as an out of control bushfire rages through bushland.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services escalated the bushfire to an emergency level on Tuesday for people in Wedge, Cooljarloo and Nambung.

The emergency zone extends inland to Indian Ocean Drive, north to Bibby Road and through parts of Nambung National Park.

“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive,” the Department of Fire and Emergency Services 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.

A separate watch and act alert is in place for residents north east of the emergency zone.

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 and remained uncontained and out of control as of 1pm on Tuesday.

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

Motorists are asked to avoid the area.