Bunbury fire burns near hospital and sports centre

Bunbury fire and emergency crews are on the scene fighting a growing out-of-control fire near the Hay Park Multi-Sports Centre.

Emergency WA has issued a Watch and Act for people in an area bounded by Sweeting Way, Lockwood Crescent, Eastman Avenue to the west, Wilkerson Way to the north, Bussell Highway to the east and Washington Avenue, Floyd Cross, Payton Way to the south in the southern parts of Withers in the City of Bunbury.

Washington Avenue and Parade Road are blocked off from motorists.

The fire was reported about 1.40pm on Thursday in bushland near Bussell Highway and Washington Avenue, between the Bunbury suburbs of Usher and College Grove.

Nine crews from the Bunbury Fire & Rescue Service, City of Bunbury Bushfire Brigade and the Bunbury Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service are on the scene.

The City of Bunbury has confirmed the South West Sports Centre was closed effective immediately until Friday morning while emergency services tackle the blaze.

Police say the fire is currently contained by emergency services and houses in the area are not under threat.

More to come.