WA bushfire emergency: 80 per cent of properties lost east of Perth

·

Authorities say 56 homes have been lost to a massive bushfire that continues to burn out of control east of Perth.

DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm said that figure was likely to grow as teams completed their damage assessments.

The blaze has so far burnt through 7,300 hectares inside an 80-kilometre perimeter.

“DFES will be conducting enquiries in an attempt to establish whether there has been any loss of life,” Western Australia’s Premier, Mark McGowan, said during a press conference today.

An emergency warning is in place for parts of the shires of Mundaring, Chittering and Northam, and the City of Swan, forcing dozens of residents to flee amid confusion over the COVID lockdown.

The City of Swan mayor fears between 20 to 30 homes have been lost. CREDIT: DFES.

Mr McGowan said he had briefed the Prime Minister on the fire, as well as the COVID situation, earlier this morning.

“Right now WA is battling two different kinds of emergencies,” he said.

Two firefighters were also injured battling the blaze, but are recovering well. One was treated in hospital for smoke inhalation and the other working through the night after suffering minor burns to his ear.

Residents flee to evacuation centre and family’s homes:

The emergency fire alert applies to parts of The Vines, Bailup, Ellenbrook, Gidgegannup, Millendon, Walyunga National Park, Upper Swan, Aveley, the Avon Valley national park, Wundowie, Red Hill, Belhus, Baskerville, Herne Hill, Bullsbrook, Wooroloo and Brigadoon.

Dozens of families fled to the evacuation centre at the Brown Park Complex in Swan View while a second centre has been set up at Swan Active in Midland.

Some sections of Perth affected by the blaze are also in the COVID lockdown zone, leading to confusion over where people should evacuate to.

Western Australian Police Commissioner, Chris Dawson, confirmed this morning however, that while Perth was in lockdown, anyone who needs to leave their home to escape the fire should not hesitate to do so.

“The fire is still uncontrolled, if you are in lockdown, or in any form of isolation or quarantine for COVID-19, you must do whatever you need to do… to protect your life and those of your immediately family of course,” Mr Dawson said.

“Don’t stay in that property if you think you have to obey the COVID rules.”

This is a developing story. Please come back for updates.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Court battle looms as lenders seek millions from Sydney pub baron Jon Adgemis

Jon Adgemis is under mounting financial pressure as Angas Securities seeks to recover millions over a failed Bondi property venture.

Melbourne man jailed for brutal murder of wife Kaliopi Roumeliotis

Melbourne man Joe Lo Bianco, who murdered his wife Kaliopi Roumeliotis in their garage, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison.

Key decision looms in Perry Kouroumblis’ Easey St murder case

Detectives are on standby to travel to Rome, as a brief of evidence on the 1977 Easey Street murders has been sent to Italian authorities.

Christodoulides and Erdogan discuss Cyprus issue during rare meeting

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides had an unexpected meeting over coffee on Thursday.

Calling all young artists: Enter The Greek Herald’s Christmas print cover competition

As the festive season approaches, The Greek Herald newspaper wants YOU to participate in its annual Christmas competition.

You May Also Like

Remembering Michael John Osborne: The voice of Greek epigraphy

Taking an assured place among the most creative authors and administrators of his time in Australasia was Michael John Osborne.

Voting, Citizenship, Identity: Interview with Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, George Psiachas

In his exclusive interview with The Greek Herald, Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, George Psiachas unpacks core responsibilities.

Two dead as rare snow snowfall blankets Greece, vaccinations halted in Greek capital

The snow stopped most public transport services, while toppled trees caused blackouts in several mountainside suburbs.