“If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place,” Emergency Western Australia told residents in and around Mokine in the Shire of Northam, 71km east of Perth. “Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.”

Bushfires are an intrinsic part of Australia’s environment, with high temperatures, dry conditions and the combustible nature of many native plants contributing to fire occurrences.

In the summer of 2019-2020, the country suffered an unprecedented season when blazes burned more than 17 million hectares, or nearly half the size of Germany, according to government data.

A total of 33 people died, including nine firefighters.

Australia’s eastern states have been hit this weekend by torrential rains, with emergency services saying on Sunday flood warnings remained for parts of New South Wales and Victoria states.