WA bushfires: Firefighters battle two out-of-control blazes in Martin and Kirup

Aerial support has been sent back in to help battle two out-of-control bushfires that are threatening lives and homes in WA.

A massive uncontrolled blaze has ripped through more than 95 hectares of land in the suburb of Martin in the Perth Hills.

An emergency warning is in place for people in an area bounded by Canning Mills Road and Mills Road East to the south, the Powerline Track to the west, Suneca Road to the east, and Versteeg Grove to the north, near Korung National Park.

Incident Controller Andy Hinton said more than 200 firefighters worked to battle the blaze on Tuesday night and had “reasonable success” — stopping the fire from engulfing a local estate. But he said crews were on high alert, as strong winds were likely to continue to fan the flames.

“Strong winds are expected to hit from 8am and won’t abate until about 1pm,” Mr Hinton said.

“We still no inkling of how it started at this stage.”

As flames spread to the treetops in Korung National Park on Tuesday, and the strong smell of smoke filled the air, the sound of choppers and an air tanker from the Eastern States roared above.

Lloyd Barker, 21, told journalists at the scene that he wanted to keep his house safe, choosing not to evacuate like so many other residents.

“We’ve got a few water pods and are just keeping the roof wet, getting the sprinklers going as well keep everything wet and damp.”

Nearby, 60 firefighters, flanked by a fleet of water bombers dumping thousands of litres of water and pink retardant, battled to try to get control of the fire as it roared dangerously close to homes.

Earlier on Tuesday, about 1.30pm, Roleystone Community College was placed into lockdown and then evacuated, with students from Kindergarten to Year 10 sent home an hour later because of the fire threat.

Canning and Canning Mills roads — where the fire started about 12.40pm — remain closed to the public.

A fire near the South West town of Kirup is also posing a danger to lives and homes, with residents told they must “act immediately to survive”.

The blaze started on Ravenscliffe Road yesterday and is still moving in a north-westerly direction.

Authorities are urging residents bounded by Ravenscliffe Road to the south and the east and Upper Capel Road to the north to leave their homes if the way is clear as well as closing all doors and windows and turning off evaporative air conditioners.

Those that cannot leave must prepare to shelter inside their homes.

Residents who are not currently at home are being told not to return as conditions are too dangerous.

A bushfire watch and act is also in place for residents bounded by Cundinup-Kirup Road to the south, Ryall Road to the north and White Road to the west.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as the fire is approaching the area and conditions are changing.

Premier Mark McGowan praised the efforts of the State’s firefighters, 200 of which are currently battling a number of blazes across the State.

“Can I firstly thank the firefighters who have been dealing with fires both in Martin and Kirup in the South West,” he said.

“It has obviously been a very difficult period, I understand they have done a wonderful job and I would like to thank each and every one of them for their wonderful work”

For up to the minute information visit Emergency.wa.gov.au