The bushfire that was burning in Perth’s north is now “stationary” after it destroyed 18 homes and damaged more than 30 properties.
Warnings for the City of Wanneroo and City of Swan have been downgraded to “watch and act” after the bushfire that began on Wednesday morning burnt through more than 1820 hectares.
“The favourable weather conditions yesterday and last night have allowed us to strengthen our containment lines ahead of the very windy and very hot conditions that are coming up right now,” Scott Hares from WA’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services told Today.
There is an evacuation centre open as those under watch and act orders are being asked not to return to their homes.
Others who are outside of the exclusion zone have been returning to their properties to assess the damage.
Mariginiup copped the brunt of the fire after the blaze tore through the suburb on Wednesday night.
“Our focus is to work with the community and central service providers so we can make the area safe,” Hares said.
“We still have downed power lines and downed trees in the fire zone.
“We’re working with them to make it safe so the residents can return.”
About 100 power poles have been damaged by the fires and the community has been warned it could be two weeks before electricity is restored to some areas.
Residents in the area are advised to monitor the constantly changing situation online, keeping up to date with the latest emergency warnings and advice here.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s Dean Narramore told Today Perth was facing dangerous conditions this weekend with a top of 39 degrees and windy conditions.
“(It’s) not good news for the fire conditions in northern Perth,” Narramore said.
Widespread rain and thunderstorms are expected across the other half of the country in NSW, Victoria and southeast Queensland this weekend.