A man has been charged after a police officer was allegedly engulfed in flames in Perth.

Officers received reports that a man was acting erratically and making threats to people near Murray Street about 11.50am on Thursday.

After arriving, they saw the man allegedly had a five-litre jerry can full of petrol and a lighter.

Police alleged the man fashioned a wick from a piece of material and placed it into the stopper of the jerry can.

The man allegedly tried to run from police and used a lighter to ignite the wick when a 30-year-old constable reached out to arrest him.

“The fuel ignited and flames engulfed the police officer and the accused,” WA Police said. 

“The officer was able to move back from the flame, narrowly avoiding serious injury.”

Other officers helped extinguish the fire and provided first aid to the man.

The constable suffered minor burns to his arm and was taken to Royal Perth Hospital as a precaution.

The man also suffered minor burns and was taken to Royal Perth Hospital for treatment.

Police have since charged the man, a 47-year-old from Broome, with seven offences including two counts of endangering the life, health or safety of a person, criminal damage by fire and possession of a prohibited drug (meth).

He will face Perth Magistrates Court on February 21.