Perth hills blaze ‘most likely’ sparked by power pole on private land
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Version 0 of 1. Fire authorities say a devastating bushfire in the Perth hills that has resulted in the death of a 62 year old man and destroyed more than 50 properties was probably sparked by a power pole on private land. Firefighters are still working to control the blaze which the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) says has destroyed 52 homes and two sheds in the Perth hills. "I can confirm that 52 properties have been destroyed by the fire over the course of the last two days," DFES Supt Gary Baxter told ABC radio on Tuesday. He said the fire was most likely due to a power pole. "All our indicators and our investigation team have led us to believe that," Baxter said. The blaze, which tore through 650 hectares in the shire of Mundaring on Sunday, was contained on Monday. But DFES says firefighters are still battling to get it fully under control. A watch and act alert remains on Tuesday for the eastern part of Parkerville, Stoneville and Mount Helena. The DFES is warning strong winds could cause flare-ups. "Firefighters are expecting strong gusty south-westerly winds during the evening, easing in the early morning," the agency added. "The strong gusty winds could cause flare-ups." Four people who were feared missing in the blaze were accounted for on Monday, with the only fatality remaining a 62-year-old man in Hovea who collapsed on the roof of his house on Sunday while preparing for the fire. One resident tried to get back to their house on Monday afternoon and suffered burns to their hands and feet. People who lost their homes are expected to be escorted to the ruins later on Tuesday. The Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) said it was waiting to assess the entire disaster zone. "We should have limited access back in by Wednesday," FESA's Craig Waters told Macquarie Radio. "One of the issues we do have is working with Western Power. They do have 140 power poles to replace, so we're still working through that process." The Western Australian government will donate $1m to the Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund to help victims. It will also provide $3,000 to those whose homes have been destroyed and $1,000 for damaged houses. The federall attorney-general, George Brandis, says the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment will also be provided to eligible residents. People can claim a payment of $1,000 per adult and $400 for each child. Insurers have declared the fire a catastrophic event. Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. |