Emergency warning as wildfire burns near Perth

Authorities in Western Australia state have issued an emergency warning for a wildfire burning near homes in Perth. The Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said the fire was burning out of control in parts of East Rockingham in the city's south.

Residents have been urged to act immediately as there was a threat to lives and homes, the DFES said in a statement. The fire was also burning near a hospital, local media reported. Authorities have dispatched waterbombing helicopters and firefighters to fight the blaze.