Kingston fire emergency downgraded

A fire emergency warning was downgraded after a blaze near Kingston this afternoon threatened homes.

DFES said the fire was approaching homes near Howson Drive and Billabong Court and asked people to leave the area by Clifton Road.

Police had closed access roads but allowed residents to return to their homes about 3pm after the threat was downgraded by authorities.

Resident Guy Truss said he was contacted at about 2.15pm and told to leave his property.

If it weren’t for the sound of the water bombers and the phone call, Mr Truss said he wouldn’t have known there was a fire.

Fire crews managed to contain the blaze quickly, Mr Truss said.

The fire caused embers to be blown into the air and water bombers were sent to the area about 2pm.

The blaze was the latest in a series that threatened homes in Harvey shire, including one near Waroona which police believe was deliberately lit.

The Arson Squad is appealing for information over a fire that was lit in four places in Kent Forest Block, about 10km east of Harvey.

Harvey shire president Tania Jackson was critical of the arsonists.