Bushfire burns parallel to highway outside Newman

A bushfire advice has been issued for people travelling along the Great Northern Highway, 40km out of Newman.

Ignited by lightning just after 12pm today, the fire, while causing no threat to homes or lives, has forced the speed limit on the highway to be reduced to 80km/h in the area.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has advised motorists to avoid the area if possible and keep watch for emergency personnel if they are driving in the area.

Firefighters from the Shire of East Pilbara are in attendance and monitoring the situation.

To keep up to date with the situation visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au or call 13 DFES.