81 homes now lost to WA bushfire

PERTH: The number of homes destroyed by an outofcontrol bushfire in Perth’s northeast has risen to more than 80 as firefighters battle flames fanned by strong winds for the fourth day.

The massive blaze with a 126km perimeter has raced northwest after destroying dozens of homes near the hills town of Wooroloo on Monday.

Estimates of properties lost started at 56 on Tuesday morning, but by Wednesday that number had grown to 71.

Premier Mark McGowan confirmed those fears yesterday, saying assessment teams had now identified 81 homes lost.

‘‘The devastation caused by these bushfires is almost too much to comprehend,’’ he said.

The news comes after firefighters late on Wednesday stopped the blaze reaching homes in Avon Ridge Estate, Shady Hills View, Gidgegannup’s north and along the Great Northern Highway.

Hundreds of firefighters battled in steep terrain as 11 air tanker sorties dropped 200,000 litres of fire retardant.

About 260 firefighters were on the ground last night, but the smaller fixedwing planes were unable to drop water due wind.

The fire has travelled 21km since it started. It was last night more than 10,000ha in size.

Weather conditions are not expected to improve until the weekend when rain is forecast. Until then, warm temperatures, strong winds and low humidity are expected. — AAP

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