remain closed until the fire threat passed.

"There have been no reports of injuries to employees or contractors. The welfare of our employees is paramount and everything is being done to ensure employees in the refinery are safe," the statement said.

Meanwhile, a man in his 20's was taken to Peel Health Campus after suffering burns to his upper torso.

Nine patients have also been evacuated from Harvey Hospital as the town remains under threat.

The fire front is moving fast, in a westerly direction, and an emergency warning remains in place for the area bounded by Willowdale Road, Johnston Road, Forrest Highway, Dorsett Road, Williamson Road, Mayfield Road and Nanga Brook Road, including the Waroona town site, in the Shire of Waroona.

People west of the South Western Highway are being toldto leave in a westerly direction if it is safe to do so.

Aerial water bombers, at least 20 firefighting trucks from the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPAW) and 40 appliances from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) are being used to fight the blaze.

Waroona is home to about 2,500 people.

DPAW spokesman Benson Todd said the fire was first reported at 7.25 on Wednesday, and it was started by a lightning strikeat Lane Pool Reserve near Dwellingup, 50 kilometres north-east of Waroona.

He said strong winds of 40 to 60 kilometres an hour had fanned the fire and pushed it towards Waroona.

Mr Benson said the decision to evacuate the towns was taken when embers started dropping in the streets.

He said there had been some unconfirmed reports that