Bushfire emergencies still current across WA as the mercury soars

Three separate bushfires blazing through the Wheatbelt and the Great Southern have kept firefighters busy as the south of the state swelters through the tail end of a heatwave.

As of 4pm on Friday there were still emergency warnings current near Narrikup, Warrumurrup, Skeleton Rock, Mount Holland, Parker Range, Arthur River and Wedgecarrup.

A fire burning near Northam had blocked evacuation routes and it was too late to leave, but has now been downgraded to a watch and act.

An evacuation centre has been set up at the Northam Recreation Centre on Peel Terrace.

A heatwave watch and act warning is also in place for the town, with temperatures hitting almost 44 degrees – above the expected peak of 42 degrees – while Perth’s temperature sits around 15 degrees cooler.

The heatwave is predicted to last another three days, setting difficult conditions for firefighters and other emergency personnel.

People travelling along the Great Eastern Highway and the Goldfields need to be prepared for extreme heat.

Police said on Friday afternoon that a 36-year-old man from Northam has been charged in relation to one of the fires. He was charged with wilfully lighting a fire likely to injure or damage. He has been remanded in custody to appear in court on Saturday.

Northam Detectives urge anyone with any information relating to these fires to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestopperswa.com.au.