Perth city 'landmark' sign badly damaged by fire at Yagan Square - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

The large "Perth" sign is badly damaged in a fire. (ABC Radio Perth: Ashleigh Davis)

A popular sign at tourist attraction Yagan Square in the heart of the Perth CBD has been badly damaged in a fire, as authorities investigate its cause.

Yagan Square's social media account announced the news in a statement this evening.

"Farewell to an icon," the post read.

"Today, we share the news that the PERTH Sign at Yagan Square was badly damaged by fire.

"For eight loyal years, it has been the backdrop to countless photos, cultural celebrations and memorable Perth moments.

The sign, pictured prior to the fire. (ABC News: Keane Bourke)

"It has well and truly earned its place as one of our city's most-loved landmarks."

The square's social media account invited users to share their favourite photos of the sign, with social media users expressing their sorrow and devastation.

The fire was reported to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services at 2:30pm today, and extinguished by 2:50pm.

A worker at a nearby bar told the ABC he saw the fire once it had already started. 

He said there were plenty of people around until security moved onlookers away. 

Once firefighters arrived, he said the flames were extinguished within less than five minutes. 

A closer look at the sign shows blackened areas where the fire has been put out. (ABC Radio Perth: Ashleigh Davis)

Development WA, which manages and maintains the square, said it would not comment on the incident as it was an active fire investigation.

Yagan Square is described as a transit area for thousands of city workers and Perth residents, situated between the Perth CBD and the city's Northbridge entertainment precinct.

It is surrounded by bars and restaurants, the new multi-million-dollar Edith Cowan University city campus, Perth Underground train station and Perth Busport.

The square is named after the 19th century Aboriginal warrior Yagan, and was officially opened in 2018, costing taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.