The alert level for a lightning-sparked bushfire in a remote part of Western Australia's east has been downgraded but remains out of control and unpredictable.
An emergency warning was issued for people travelling along Eyre Highway and Cocklebiddy Road between Madura Roadhouse and Caiguna Roadhouse this morning but was downgraded in the afternoon to a watch and act.
The blaze, which started in a nature reserve, is possibly threatening lives and homes, and has burnt 12,000 hectares.
https://twitter.com/BOM_WA/status/806393852332572672
The fire started in Nuytsland Nature Reserve and has crossed the Eyre Highway.
The Eyre Highway is closed between the Madura Roadhouse and Norseman.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke.
For the latest information, visit emergency.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337) or follow DFES on Twitter at @dfes_wa.