Independent review into Wooroloo bushfire that destroyed 86 homes

A man has been charged over one of the worst bushfires in Western Australia’s history, and now the blaze will be subject to an independent inquiry too.

Aerial view of the bushfire that burned through more than 10,000 hectares of land and destroyed 86 homes. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tony McDonough

An independent review will be held into the devastating Wooroloo bushfire that destroyed 86 homes in the Perth Hills.

The inquiry will be led by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council, which also reviewed bushfires in Tasmania.

The Wooroloo blaze was sparked on February 1 during a Covid-19 lockdown and tore through more than 10,000 hectares.

It also wiped out machinery, sheds, vehicles and livestock.

Police allege Daniel Gunter Preuss, 40, was using a grinder to cut a padlock on a sea container when the blaze started.

He has been charged with a breach of duty and breaching a total fire ban. It is not alleged the fire was deliberately lit.

Firefighters worked tirelessly to combat the blaze. Picture: The West Australian

The independent inquiry will analyse information gathered during the first stage of the review of the bushfire.

It will include examining the bushfire response, fuel management and mitigation activities, and communications.

“The state government is committed to learning as much as possible about the Wooroloo bushfire to see if any improvements can be made in the future,” Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby said on Friday.

Submissions will open next Friday and close on September 24, with further details to be revealed soon.

The now famous photo taken by career firefighter Mick Dybac of fellow senior firefighter David Ellis in front of a home they had just saved in the Wooroloo bushfire. Picture: Supplied by Department of Fire and Emergency Services via NCA NewsWire

The inquiry will acknowledge the ongoing Action Plan for Bushfire Framework Review and examine the following:

• The response to the blaze, fuel management and processes for access into the fire-affected areas;
• Effectiveness of heavy earthmoving equipment and interagency co-ordination;
• Effectiveness of the impact assessment processes for recovery efforts and recovery function post-response phase;
• The extent, geographic range, method, effectiveness and duration of public warnings;
• Use of the animal welfare in emergencies program; and
• Meteorological aspects of the fire.