One home confirmed lost in WA blaze

A bushfire has destroyed at least one home in Waroona, south of Perth, where 150 firefighters are tackling the blaze.

bush fire

WA bush fire.

At least one home has been destroyed by a bushfire south of Perth after strong easterly winds pushed the blaze into the town of Waroona.

The fire was sparked by lightning on Thursday morning and began south of Forrington Heights in the steep terrain of the Darling Range to the town's east.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said one home had been confirmed lost, and there were also unconfirmed reports of other structures being damaged.

An emergency warning is in place for an area bounded by Nanga Brook Road, Hill Street, McLartey Street and Paganini Road.

Earlier on Saturday, fire was burning within the townsite and embers were being blown far by the strong winds, threatening more homes.

But after 150 firefighters and water bombing aircraft tackled the blaze, DFES said it was burning around the townsite.

There is currently no running fire, DFES said.

An increase in winds is causing a concern.

Winds are forecast to re-strengthen and be gusty overnight, which could challenge containment lines.

The fire remains uncontrolled.

DFES says powerlines and eight power poles have been destroyed and about 35 customers are without electricity.

An emergency relocation point has been established in the nearby town of Harvey.

The Red Cross has opened its Register.Find.Reunite services to assist Waroona residents, who can register at www.redcross.org.au or in person at the evacuation centre.

Some 325 hectares has been burnt by the fire.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world