Fire crews are this morning mopping up after a bushfire that damaged properties and killed stock in Esperance, Western Australia.

Almost 400 hectares has been burned since the blaze started just after midday yesterday.

More than 60 firefighters worked through the night to control and contain the fire, which is now burning between Spencer Road and Keenan Road.

Two homes were badly damaged, while other residents lost machinery and outhouses.

A watch and act warning remains in place for the area.

The cause of the blaze is unknown.