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Hundreds of Australians have fled to evacuation centres as a bushfire on the outskirts of the locked-down city of Perth continues to grow and threaten communities.

The blaze - the largest the city has seen in years - has burnt through 9,000 hectares, destroying 71 homes. Six firefighters have suffered injuries.

Fire services were expecting further challenging conditions on Wednesday.

They urged communities near the blaze to prepare to leave or take shelter.

The Western Australia (WA) capital is in the middle of a coronavirus lockdown, complicating safety advice messages for Perth's two million residents.

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State officials have urged people to prioritise their immediate safety over the virus risk, which is considered very low. Perth entered a five-day lockdown - due to end Friday - over just one locally acquired infection.

"The important thing is the preservation of life. So, if you're quarantining and you're required to evacuate, you should just evacuate," said WA fire commissioner Darren Klemm.

Officials have urged people to wear masks and self-isolate where possible at evacuation centres.

Smoke over Perth pg

The Wooroloo fire, which started on Monday, has a 100km (62 miles) perimeter and is burning about 30km (18.5 miles) east of central Perth.

Strong winds on Tuesday caused it to spread rapidly and made it "near impossible" for firefighters to suppress, official said. Embers were reported 5km ahead of the firefront.