Threat to lives and homes in Shire of Augusta-Margaret River bushfire

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued an emergency warning after a bushfire broke out in Courtenay, in WA's South West on Tuesday afternoon.

People in an area bounded by Brockman Highway to the north, Courtney Road to the east, Payne Road in the south, and Wall Road to the west have been warned there is a threat to lives and homes from an out-of-control and unpredictable blaze which was reported at 12.42pm.

The fire started near the intersection of Brockman Highway and Beck Road.

DFES has warned some roads may be closed.

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

DFES urges residents to monitor emergency.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter: twitter.com/dfes_wa, Facebook: facebook.com/dfeswa/, or listen to ABC Local Radio or listen to news bulletins for updates.