Out-of-control bushfires that have claimed at least 10 homes in metropolitan Perth have partly eased for now as firefighters battle to gain the upper hand.
Authorities warned overnight that strong winds and high temperatures meant it could be days before crews bring the fires under control after they ripped through semi-rural properties and threatened other homes.
A slight reprieve in the weather had helped firefighters contain 95 per cent of the blaze on Friday morning but it would take some effort to get it fully under control, Chief Superintendent Metropolitan David Gill said.
“Another long night for firefighters and crews,” he told ABC Radio.
“And we can’t forget the impact that’s having on the community.”
Firefighters were also concerned about a forecast southwesterly change in wind direction that would potentially threaten the previously untested northern flank of the fire, Mr Gill said.
Crews were being stretched by the vast extent of the blaze – which stretched 53km in perimeter and had burned through 1800 hectares of bush – in their efforts to patrol containment lines and put out spotfires.
A return of hot and stormy conditions across the weekend could result in dry lightning that risks igniting further fires.
It was too late on Thursday for many people to leave in eight suburbs in the City of Wanneroo and the City of Swan, in Perth’s northeast.
However, as of 8.30am local time on Friday, emergency warnings only remained in place for parts of Jandabup, Melaleuca, Wanneroo and Mariginiup thanks to lighter winds and high humidity.
Emergency WA said a fire burning at Hammond Park in the City of Cockburn has been extinguished.
More than 150 firefighters worked through Wednesday night to save homes when the massive blaze sparked in Gnangara Pine Plantation, forcing hundreds of families to leave as embers rained down.
Teams worked on Thursday to assess damage to properties so evacuated residents could be informed, with fears more destroyed homes would be found.
More than 1000 people were also left without power as critical infrastructure was brought down in unforgiving temperatures that peaked at 40C, with winds of up to 80km/h fanning the flames.
East Wanneroo Primary School and Wanneroo Secondary College have been closed.
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said a huge amount of firefighting resources, including multiple water bombers, were being used to battle the blaze.
“This is a significant fire … this will be a long-running incident and could take some time before the fire is brought under control given the situation we find ourselves in terms of the wind and high temperatures,” he said.
A number of firefighters have suffered smoke inhalation and minor injuries and one crew was involved in a “burnover” incident while in a truck.
After peaking at 39C on Thursday, the forecast is for 35C on Friday and Saturday and 37C on Sunday.
Source: AAP
