Perth Hills bushfire: residents can start to return to their homes
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Version 0 of 1. Residents in the Perth Hills, where more than 50 homes were destroyed by a devastating bushfire this week, will start returning home on Wednesday. As firefighters continue to mop up in Stoneville, Parkerville and Mount Helena, authorities have confirmed the toll of properties lost at 52, with more than $13m in damage already reported by insurers. The fire is also being blamed for the death of one man, 62-year-old Ron Shaw, who collapsed as he stood on the roof of his Hovea home to prepare for the arrival of the flames. Power remains out for about 450 homes in the region on Wednesday morning, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) says. DFES on Wednesday said residents in the "zone where home have been lost" would be prevented from returning to the area on Wednesday because it was "hazardous due to damaged infrastructure, downed power lines and the risk of falling tree limbs". "People outside this zone are allowed to start returning to their homes, however they are required to register for a permit and access will be restricted," DFES said. The agency said a watch and act alert remained in place for the eastern part of Parkerville, Stoneville and Mount Helena. "Firefighters will continue to strengthen containment lines and ensure the area is 100% blacked out," DFES said. Counselling services have been made available to the dozens of people whose homes were razed in the fire. Fire authorities have confirmed the blaze was most likely sparked by a fallen power pole on private property. Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. |