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Homes lost in Wooroloo bushfires rises to 81

Kate RyanThe West Australian
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VideoPremier confirms 81 homes now lost in bushfires as WA records its fourth straight day of no community transmission of coronavirus.

The number of homes lost in the Wooroloo bushfires has risen to 81.

Mark McGowan made the sobering announcement at the DFES bushfire control centre, in Mundaring this morning.

The WA Premier said he met with people at the Brown Park evacuation centre yesterday.

“It Is almost too much to comprehend, we’re all thinking of those who have lost their homes or livelihoods,” he said

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The Premier also announced the State Government would provide emergency funding of $4000 to those who have lost their homes.

$2000 will be made available to those whose houses have been damaged.

Fixed-wing planes can’t be flown today because of the windy conditions.

Premier Mark McGowan arriving at the press conference in Mundaring
Camera IconPremier Mark McGowan arriving at the press conference in Mundaring Credit: Ian Munro/The West Australian

DFES commissioner Darren Klemm said that was making it hard for firefighters to tackle the blaze. More than 260 firefighters are on the ground.

“We’re looking to provide access to the fire ground east of Toodyay Road and Western Power are working to clear the roads,” he said

“We will be looking to escort some homeowners, those who have lost their homes to the area.”

Last night there were some breakouts near Avon Ridge last night. But Shady Hill was able to be saved.

Large air tankers and retardant lines stopped the fire from reaching homes at Shady Hill Estate.

North-easterly winds affected the area.

WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said no evidence of criminal behaviour had been found in the cause of the fire.

: DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm addresses the media
Camera Icon: DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm addresses the media Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

“This doesn’t mean I don’t want the public to not report anything, it just means there is no evidence to show criminality in the cause of the fire,” he said.

Mr Dawson said WA has been experiencing a week of challenges with the fire and COVID.

“This is no time to let our guards down,” he said.

Mr Dawson said there were no further burglaries reported overnight. 

Mr Klemm said people who have restricted access permits may be able to get to their homes soon.

“What’s important is that there is a number of risks when a fire goes through,” he said.

Two extra air tankers have been sent over from the Eastern States.

The Wooroloo fire has caused significant damage to Wooroloo and surrounding areas.
Camera IconThe Wooroloo fire has caused significant damage to Wooroloo and surrounding areas. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper/The West Australian

Mr Klemm said those air tankers and the retardant laid down last night was critical in helping to save Shady Hill.

“Absolutely critical for us on the northern flank,” he said

“We were really confident in the strategy, bush with the wind and terrain, the fire can be difficult to stop. We had 27 fire trucks in Shady Hill estate alone to work in ember attacks.” 

When asked if more houses could have been saved if WA had more air tankers, Mr Klemm said:

“The fire that commenced at 12.30 on Monday was extremely fast in a rural area. Firefighters we’re moving by from one house to the next to try and save them. One large air tanker, 10 large air tankers, I’m not sure whether it would have helped,” he said.

Frustration has been expressed by people who have stayed to defend their homes and fight the fire, as they have no access to supplies. If they leave, they won’t be allowed back in, but some issues with fuel have been raised.

“They can contact authorities to get supplies, or they can get family or friends to bring supplies to a control point which they can pick up,” Mr Klemm said.

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