The largest Perth bushfire the region has seen in six years has forced hundreds of Australians to evacuate their homes.

Six fire fighters have been injured as they struggle to contain the blaze, which has destroyed 71 homes and spread through 9,000 hectares.

The fire started on Monday, and due to high winds has spread over the last two days. Officials are now expecting the coming days to present further challenges to the fire and rescue services, and are urging people to evacuate.

WA fire commissioner Darren Klemm said: “”The important thing is the preservation of life. So, if you’re quarantining and you’re required to evacuate, you should just evacuate. A full lockdown and raging bushfires. It will test us all.”

Bushfires in Australia are common, with 11,264 hitting the country between July 2019 and February 2020.