Western Australia This article is more than 1 month oldWA fires: homes destroyed as firefighters battle blaze south of Perth
This article is more than 1 month oldNew warnings for fire in the Keysbrook area, which Emergency WA said was out of control and burning fast
Three homes have been destroyed by a fast-moving bushfire that ripped through a suburb in Perth’s hilly east.
Confirmation of losses from the Parkerville blaze came as a fresh emergency warning was issued on Friday for a fire in the Keysbrook area, east of the Mandurah.
Emergency WA said it was out of control and burning fast to the east.
An evacuation centre has been opened at the Serpentine Jarrahdale Community Recreation Centre.
The earlier Parkerville blaze pushed fire crews to their limits as it raced through the semi-rural hamlet before being downgraded late on Thursday.
Premier Roger Cook said it was “horrible” news so close to Christmas for the families that had lost homes, possessions and animals.
“Watching those flames engulf those homes is absolutely heartbreaking and distressing,” he told reporters on Friday.
“On behalf of the people of Western Australia, I want you to know that our hearts are with you.”
It was one of four emergency-level blazes in the state’s south that were downgraded by Friday morning.
Fire and Emergency Services commissioner Darren Klemm said fire crews were focused on mopping up spot fires to enable evacuated residents to return to their homes.
“We’ve had a really successful night overnight once again, with challenging strong easterly winds and low humidity, that’s seen many of the warnings … we’ve got across the state being reduced,” he said.
The Parkerville blaze started accidentally on Thursday when a tree fell on to powerlines.
Firefighters were also battling blazes in the Shire of Toodyay, 90km north-east of Perth, and the Shire of Dardanup, 180km south of the city.
The Toodyay fire in the Wheatbelt region started on Wednesday afternoon and has burned through about 155 hectares.
Another fire burning in parts of Callcup, Crowea and Meerup in the Shire of Manjimup in the state’s south-west, was at a watch and act level on Friday.
The fire has burned about 3000 hectares with reports of damage to sheds, fences and farm equipment.
Klemm said he met with fire commissioners in other states on Friday but did not request interstate teams as it wasn’t necessary at this time.
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