A group of campers who accidentally lit a dangerous bushfire in WA will not be charged

A group of campers who sparked a devastating bushfire that destroyed homes will not be charged, as the blaze continues to burn for a fourth day.

A group of campers who accidentally sparked a catastrophic bushfire in Western Australia’s south by charging their phones with a car battery will not be charged.

The devastating blaze, which started in the Marrarup Nature Reserve on Saturday, has destroyed eight residences, including three homes and five-short stay accommodation properties.

But The West Australian reports the campers will not face charges.

The fire has burnt through 3180 hectares of bushland since it was first sparked, with warnings being upgraded to an emergency level after being downgraded earlier on Tuesday.

Fire warnings have been upgraded to an emergency level. Picture: Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA

The blaze has destroyed eight properties since it was first sparked on Saturday. Picture: Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA

Homeowners who lost their property in the fire will be eligible for a $4000 Premier’s payment and those whose home has been damaged can receive payments of $2000, which will be made available in the next couple of days.

Business owners of short-stay accommodation units are not eligible for the payment.

Minister for Emergency Services Stephen Dawson told reporters the fire could have been avoided and that one silly mistake could lead to people losing their lives.

“Over the next few days, we still have some hot weather so I would urge people to keep safe over Easter,” he said.

The fire has continued to burn into its fourth day. Picture: DFES

An emergency warning is currently in place for people bounded by the Murray River to the north, Cyprus Brook, Scarp Road and Woodside Road to the east, Nanga Brook Road to the south and Bowles Road to the west in the Waroona and Murray Shires.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has warned people they are in danger and there is a threat to lives and homes.

A watch and act is in place for parts of Coolup, Meelon, Nanga Brook, Teesdale and Waroona.

A bushfire alert has been issued for other parts of Coolup, Dwellingup, Etmilyn, Marrinup, Meelon, Nanga Brook, Teesdale and Waroona.