Bushfire threatening Cheeditha Aboriginal Community

A bushfire is threatening lives and property in Cheeditha Aboriginal Community, near Roebourne.

A bushfire watch and act has been issued for people at or near the community, 4km north west of Roebourne, in the City of Karratha.

The alert level has been upgraded because fire conditions are changing.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has warned there is a possible threat to lives and homes in the area and people need to leave or get ready to actively defend their property.

The fire is moving slowly in a southerly direction and is contained but not controlled.

A bushfire advice is also in place for south eastern parts of Wickham including the Rio Tinto Deepdale Railway line, North West Coastal Highway, Harding River, Point Samson-Roebourne Road and Walcott Drive.

DFES has advised while there is no threat to lives or homes in those areas, there is a lot of smoke and people should keep up-to-date in case the situation changes.

The bushfire started near the intersection of Point Samson-Roebourne Road and Rifle Range Road in Roebourne.

It was first reported just before 3am today.

Firefighters are on the scene and strengthening containment lines.

No roads have been closed, but motorists have been asked to avoid the area or reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke.

For road updates, call 138 138 or visit www.mainroads.wa.gov.au.