Firefighters continue to battle Forrestdale blaze as DFES issue ‘watch and act’

200 firefighters are continuing to battle a large-scale bushfire in Forrestdale as residents in surrounding areas are on high alert.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued a ‘watch and act’ for residents in Forrestdale, Banjup, Harrisdale and Piara Waters as the blaze, which began around midday on Thursday, continues to rage.

The warning applies to people in those areas bound by Rowley Road, Tonkin Highway, Ranford Road, Warton Road, Armadale Road, Liddelow Road, Gibbs Road and Nicholson Road.

While the fire has been downgraded as it is contained, it is still not completely under control and DFES believes changing conditions could cause a possible threat to lives and homes.

Gusts of more than 90 kilometres per hour have been forecast into the morning, meaning homes within warning areas need to remain vigilant.

Residents in the affected areas should be ready to leave or get ready to actively defend their properties.

A Bushfire Advice has also been issued for parts of Southern River, Forrestdale and Banjup.

Forrestdale Primary School, John Bosco College, Harrisdale Primary School and Harrisdale Senior High School will all be closed today.

The bushfire, which started near the Forrest Road and Tonkin Highway intersection, has forced a number of road closures along parts of Armadale Road, Forrest Road, Anstey Road and Twelfth Road.

However, Tonkin Highway has been re-opened between Rowley Road and Ranford Road with an 80 kilometre per hour speed restriction.

The Department for Child Protection and Family Support has set up a temporary evacuation centre at Armadale Arena on Townley Street.