The Fire and Emergency Service Authorities (FESA) reissued on Friday a bushfire alert for residents of Pippingarra in Port Hedland. Reports said the blaze that is razing between Marble Bar Road and Beebingara Creek has become out of control and unpredictable.

The warning, which was initially made on Thursday, is for residents of both sides of Great Northern Highway. The suspicious fire is just six kilometers east of the Port Hedland Airport.

FESA warned motorists traveling from the eastern side of the fire that they cannot drive west along Great Northern Highway and must divert their route.

The fire is moving fast in a westerly direction at about 200 metres per hour.

Residents of the Pippingarra area were advised to leave through Great Northern Highway and then travel west to Port Hedland. Although the highway is partially closed between Marble Bar Road turn-off and the Pippingarra Road turn-off, those fleeing could still get through.

Firefighters from the Shire of Port Hedland and three volunteer fire and rescue service brigades are battling the fire and protecting properties and buildings, including the Brookdale and Bullsbrook Yard.