Rockingham bushfire: Bushfire warning downgraded to watch and act as more than 40 crews battle blaze

An out-of-control bushfire in Port Kennedy has been downgraded to a watch and act alert as firefighters battle the blaze with backburning operations.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services downgraded the emergency warning for residents east of Bakewell Drive and west of Ennis Avenue in Port Kennedy in the City of Rockingham about 4pm on Tuesday.

The blaze was first reported at 1.38pm on Tuesday afternoon, with up to 42 hectares of land already burnt.

“The alert level for this fire has been downgraded with firefighters currently conducting backburing operations,” DFES said.

“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.

“There is a threat to lives and homes.

“Stay alert and monitor your surroundings as conditions could change.”

The blaze is not contained or controlled and is burning towards Ennis Avenue and Mandurah Road.

Waterbombers and up to 60 ground crews are on the scene actively working to fight the blaze.

A DFES spokesperson confirmed there were no reports of structural damage.

A number of roads including Port Kennedy Drive between Blakewell Drive and Ennis Avenue have been closed.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully.

A bushfire advice warning is also in place for residents west of Bakewell Drive and east of Warnbro Sound Avenue in Port Kennedy in the City of Rockingham.

“Stay alert and monitor your surroundings,” DFES said.

“Read through bushfire plan and decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.”

DFES has also issued a bushfire advice warning for parts of the City of Wanneroo.

DFES told residents in areas bounded by Tomar Road, Perry Road and Old Yanchep Road in parts of Pinjar and Yanchep in the City of Wanneroo to “stay alert” and monitor conditions.

“Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames,” DFES said.

“Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.”

The fire — which was first reported at 1.32pm on Tuesday — is moving slowly in an easterly direction and is contained but not controlled.

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

The cause of the fire is unknown.