Bushfire threatens town of Greenbushes A BUSHFIRE that has destroyed two homes in Western Australia's South West is threatening the town of Greenbushes. A string of bushfires sparked by lightning strikes on Tuesday have sweep have through the region. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said at about 6.50pm (WST) that a bushfire that started west of the Blackwood River was threatening homes at Greenbushes, the western part of Bridgetown, Hester Brook, Wandillup, Maranup and Southampton. The fire has crossed the river and is moving in an eastern direction. A homestead in Southampton, 12km south of Balingup and built in 1862, has burnt down. A home some 900 metres away has also been destroyed. More than 150 residents of the region have gathered at the Bridgetown Recreational Centre. The DFES said the bushfire was out of control and unpredictable. More than 130 firefighters are focusing on constructing containment lines on the north eastern flank of the bushfire and are being assisted by six water bombers and two helicopters. About 1700 hectares have been burnt so far. An emergency warning has been put in place, meaning residents have to act now to survive. Greenbushes Primary School will be closed on Thursday as a precaution. A bushfire watch and act warning has also been issued for people in the Kin Kin area, where a blaze is burning towards Muir Highway.