'A threat to lives and homes': emergency warning issued for bushfire north of Perth

Homes in the Ocean Farms estate are threatened by the blaze burning out of control 100km north of Perth in Western Australia

A fast-moving bushfire was raging north of Perth, threatening lives and homes as it bore down on a number on coastal communities.

The blaze had already destroyed more than 7,200 hectares and was proving difficult for firefighters to contain as it burned out of control while fanned by strong easterly winds.