Strong winds overnight have caused havoc for firefighters while crews “can’t stop it spreading”, according to ABC News reporter Gian De Poloni, who is based in Perth.

The situation became serious overnight with one home “burned to the ground” and multiple other proprties damged.

An emergency warning from The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is in place for parts of Wooroloo in the Shire of Mundaring after the fire grew in size to 1600 square metres in just hours, rapidly spreading and burning through 230 hectares.

The emergency warning applies to the area bounded by Burma Road, Clenton Road and Bailup Road to the north, O’Brien Road to the west, Toodyay Road, Needham Road and Linley Valley Road to the south and Werribee Road and McNamara Road to the east.

Residents in Bailup, Gidgegannup, Wundowie and the Walyunga National Park in the Shire of Mundaring and Northam in the city of Swan.

FOR FULL EMERGENCY WARNINGS VISIT EMERGENCY WA HERE

For people East of Bailup Road and West of Toodyay Road, it’s “too late to leave and leaving now would be deadly,” Emergency WA alerted at 9:27pm local time.

“You need to shelter in your home in a room away from the fire front and make sure you can easily escape.

“You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you well before the flames reach you.

“Choose a room with two exits and water such as a kitchen or laundry.

“If your home catches on fire and the conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt.

“Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and trousers, made from cotton or wool, and strong leather boots.”

Firefighters are fighting the blaze, with aerial support assisting ground crews after the fire started near Werribee Road in Wooroloo at midday on Monday. The bushfire is moving fast in a north westerly direction.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

For people West of Bailup Road, if you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear by travelling north along Bailup Road or Mayo Road, authorities said.

If you are in an area subject to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, put your bushfire plan into action now and continue to follow precautions to minimise the spread of the virus.

If you have been personally directed to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19:

Leave now, find alternative suitable premises and wear a mask.

If you are unable to return to your quarantine location within one hour, telephone WA Police on 131 444 to advise them you have had to leave due to an emergency.

Regardless of your location, continue to follow COVID-19 precautions and maintain appropriate physical distancing.

A bushfire Watch and Act was in place for parts of Gidgegannup, Millendon, Walyunga National Park, Upper Swan, Hovea, Middle Swan, Red Hill, Jane Brook, Baskervill, Herne Hill, Brigadoon, Chidlow and Wundowie in the shire of Mundaring and the city of Swan.

The cause of the fire, which has burnt 230 hectares, is unknown.

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

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services could not confirm if at least one house has been lost after dramatic vision captured by Seven News showed a building – seemingly a home – up in flames.

A spokesman said it was still to dangerous for crews to go in to assess.

An evacuation centre has been set up at Brown Park Recreation Complex in Swan View.

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

Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting travelmap.mainroads.wa.gov.au.