Cranbrook Bushfire: Watch and act in place for southeastern parts of Tonebridge

A bushfire watch and act has been issued for the south-eastern parts of Tonebridge in the Shire of Cranbrook.

The area is bounded by Wingebellup Road to the west and south, Unicup Road to the east and Boyup Brook-Cranbrook Road to the north.

An alert from the Department of Fire of Emergency Services at 3.59pm said the fire was reported at 12.30pm and was suspected to have started by a lightning strike.

It is moving fast in a north-northwesterly direction and it is not contained or controlled.

People in the area are advised to leave now if it is clear to do so if they are not prepared, or plan to leave.

Those prepared to actively defend need to make final preparations.

The public has been asked to avoid the area and be aware of fire personnel working onsite.

Motorists have been asked to avoid the area