Bushfire tears through Western Australia

BY CHRIS THOMSON AND CHALPAT SONTI

Up to 40 homes could have been destroyed by a bushfire burning out of control north of Perth.

Three firefighters have also received medical treatment while battling the blaze in the Toodyay area.

Specialist firefighters will this morning assess the damage caused by the fire.

"We know that some homes have been destroyed and we have crews coming in in the morning whose task it will be to survey the damage in the area," Fire and Emergency Services Authority spokesman Kevin Archer told ABC radio.

Initial estimates were that about 20 homes were destroyed in the fire, but this could double, FESA spokesman Allen Gale told AAP.

"We can confirm that 20 homes have been lost, but early indications of people moving through the area is that the number could double," Mr Gale said.

"House after house has been destroyed, in a line, and there are still pockets where the fire is still burning."

Two firefighters have been treated for smoke inhalation, while another had suffered dehydration. The trio were treated at the scene.

It was also believed a Toodyay resident who suffered burns was being treated at Royal Perth Hospital.

The fire broke out about 1pm yesterday, and has burnt more than 2700 hectares.

About 200 firefighters will tackle the blaze today, with cooler temperatures expected to ease the fire threat.

"The weather we're expecting today will certainly assist in firefighting efforts," Mr Archer said.

There could be a light shower later this afternoon.

Crews were helped by four helicopters yesterday, which will also be called in this morning.

Premier Colin Barnett - who has a hobby farm in the area - and emergency services minister Rob Johnson have arrived in Toodyay and will address media and locals this morning.

Volunteers lead the fight

Toodyay Shire councillor Debbie Larkin has a husband and son who fought the fire into yesterday evening after their pagers first beeped about noon.

"Both of them took off about lunch time and we didn't see them until about 8.30 last night," Cr Larkin said.

"Everything revolves around everyone doing their bit in some way.

"The community is very reliant on the brigades and ambos - both are volunteer services."

Cr Larkin said her men arrived home "tired and dirty" and were back down at the Toodyay Central Brigade shed at 6am today.

She said there was "always that niggle in the back of my mind" whenever the two went to fight fires, but she was confident their training would see them through.

"The community deals with this sort of thing on a regular basis and is ready to roll when this happens," she said.

"At these times everybody suddenly realises how important it is that your neighbours are there and everybody chips in to do their part."

Residents evacuated

Toodyay residents were evacuated yesterday, with the Toodyay sports oval accommodating people with animals. Other residents sheltered at the Toodyay Town Hall and at Northam.

Residents in the Lloyds Hill and Toodyay areas were being advised to put their bushfire plans into action.

Mr Archer warned residents needed to act immediately.

"If they have decided to leave for a safer place, they should leave now if the path is clear," he said.

"Relocation at the last minute can be deadly. Wind is such that embers are likely to be blown around people's homes.

"Powerlines and fences are down, there is no access to the area at all, roads have been closed."

FESA said homes in Majestica Waters, Lozanda Heights, Vernon Hills, Nottingham Road, Sherwood Road, Folewood Road, Drummondi Drive, Adenanthus Road, Stirlingia Drive and Dumbarton Road were the next in the fire's sights.

Homes in Dumbarton Road, Nairn Road and Wicklow Estate including Wicklow Road, Link Road, Range Road, Whitfield Road, Boyagerring Road and Dawson Road were also in danger.

Relocation points were set up at Toodyay Town Hall, the Northam Recreation Centre and the Toodyay Sports Oval.

Several roads were closed in the area, including Sandplain Road from Toodyay Road to Folewood Road, Folewood Road from River Road to the Shire Office Goomalling and Toodyay Road near Woodindale Road.

Dandaragan blaze

Meanwhile, more than 10,500 hectares have been burnt out in a bushfire at the Marchagee Track, in the Shire of Dandaragan.

The fire has damaged several farm sheds and at least one farm vehicle, but no homes have been lost. More than 100 firefighters worked through the night to contain the blaze.

Several roads remain closed, including the Marchagee Track, from the Brand Highway to Watheroo, and Dewar, Mackays and Coalara roads.

- WAToday with AAP

- © Fairfax NZ News