A bushfire near the West Australian tourist hotspot of Margaret River has intensified, with hot and windy weather expected to test containment lines.
An emergency warning has been issued for a vast section of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River.
The warning area has expanded significantly since the emergency alert was first issued on Wednesday afternoon.
"You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes," the Department of Fire and Emergency Services said on Thursday.
"If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place."
The fire started near the intersection of Caves Road and Calgarup Road in Boranup, almost 300km south of Perth.
Authorities said the blaze had burnt through more than 1000 hectares and was escalating due to a heavy fuel load on the park floor.
The WA coast is set for high temperatures and windy conditions on Thursday, with a forecast peak of 36 degrees Celsius for the Perth metropolitan area.
"We do expect conditions to deteriorate and to test the containment lines and bits and pieces that they've been doing overnight," DFES spokesman Adam Jasper told Perth radio 6PR.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is overseeing the firefighting operation, which is supported by local brigades and water-bombing aircraft.
