Corrigin fire: Hospital evacuated and dozens ordered to flee their homes as bushfire rages near town

A hospital has been evacuated in a town south-east of Perth and residents are being forced to leave as homes are threatened by a bushfire.

The Ministry of Fire and Emergency Services issued an emergency warning for Corrigin on Tuesday afternoon after the fire intensified.

People in the danger area were told to leave for a safer place or, if that was not possible, to prepare to shelter in their homes.

Staff and patients have been evacuated from Corrigin Health Service and the facility will remain closed until further notice, the department said.

“Everyone is safe and well and we are in the process of contacting affected families,” the statement said.

People needing medical attention were advised to call triple zero or go to Narembeen Health Service, about 70km away.

The emergency warning area is bordered by a number of roads including Brookton-Corrigin, Dry Well, Heal, Bruce Rock-Corrigin, Corrigin-Kondinin, Dilling and Rabbit Proof Fence Road.

People in eastern parts of Corrigin were issued a ‘watch and act’ warning and were also advised to leave if they were not prepared to defend their homes.

The department said the fire started at the intersection of Brookton-Corrigin Rd and Jose Rd.