71 homes lost in Perth Hills bushfire as firefighters continue to battle the blaze

A bushfire that is tearing through the Perth Hills has destroyed at least 71 homes, with authorities warning there will be “more bad days to come”.

Residents have been warned to act immediately to survive.

At least 71 homes have been destroyed by a bushfire in the Perth Hills, as authorities are desperate to get through the disaster without the loss of life.

Wednesday is expected to bring “difficult conditions”, Fire Commissioner Darren Klemm warned.

He said Tuesday night had been “better than the previous night”, but that firefighters were concerned about the day ahead.

“Some milder conditions have allowed us to complete some tracking, particularly on the southern flank of the fire,” he said.

“We’re still having difficulties with the … northern part of the fire and that is a concern ahead of some difficult conditions today where we’re going to see the wind shift to the southeast.”

Mr Klemm said firefighters were particularly concerned about the Shady Hills Estate, where gusts of up to 70 km/h are expected on Wednesday afternoon.

“The message to the people in Shady Hills Estate and in the outskirt of Bullsbrook is they need to enact their bushfire plan and consider whether they need to evacuate now,” he said.

“It is really critical that people have their plan in place and make sure they’re prepared.”

He said the fire would continue to be challenging for “at least the next three to five days.”

“Now is not the time to become complacent,” he said.

At least 71 homes have now been destroyed by bushfire in the Perth Hills region. Picture: 7 News,

WA Premier Mark McGowan on Tuesday described the blaze as “apocalyptic” and “an extremely dangerous fire”.

“Weather conditions are extremely volatile … (the Department of Fire and Emergency Services) advise they have lost 80 per cent of all properties in the rural area of Tilden Park in Gidgegannup,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

Mr Klemm also revealed six firefighters had received minor injuries while battling the blaze.

“We are unaware of any injuries to the public,” he said.

“We haven’t had people coming to us to say they haven’t been able to contact a certain person.

Families have set up at two evacuation centres. NCA NewsWire/Tony McDonough

Six firefighters have been injured while battling the blaze. Picture: Supplied by DFES via incident photographer Evan Collis

Earlier, DFES Deputy Commissioner Craig Waters said the fire behaviour was intense and firefighters were very fatigued.

Mr Waters said one fire appliance was lost on Monday.

“There’s no reports of fatalities at this point. We did have a couple of minor injuries,” he told reporters.

“One of the firefighters involved in the truck fire yesterday, he suffered a superficial burn to his ear, but he kept firefighter and was there for the majority of the night.”

A DFES spokesman told NCA NewsWire another firefighter also suffered smoke inhalation on Monday.

A firefighting helicopter flies over an evacuation centre. NCA NewsWire/Tony McDonough

One resident from The Vines said they had received automated phone calls in the early hours of the morning telling them to evacuate.

Neighbours rushed to each other, ensuring they had heard the warning, then quickly drove out of the suburb.

“It was terrifying,” the elderly resident told NCA NewsWire.

Many residents in the area are also worried about wildlife in the area, including kangaroos and emus, as well as pets such as horses.

Firefighters are continuing to battle the bushfire in the Perth Hills. Picture: Supplied by DFES via incident photographer Evan Collis

Mr McGowan said WA was securing another large aerial tanker from NSW to assist.

“This is an extremely concerning and serious situation. The thoughts of all West Australians are with the people impacted,” he said.

“Right now, WA is battling two different kinds of emergencies — a dangerous fire emergency and a COVID-19 lockdown emergency.

“Can I also give my heartfelt thanks to our firefighters and emergency workers, who have done and continue to perform a crucial and critical role. You are true heroes.

“It is going to be an extremely challenging day for everyone involved. Please do everything you can to keep you and your family safe and look after each other.”

The fire started on Monday. Picture: Supplied by DFES via incident photographer Evan Collis

At least 56 homes have been lost. Picture: Supplied by DFES via incident photographer Evan Collis

Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said the loss of property was an immense tragedy.

“I extend my thoughts to everyone affected, and I also add my thanks to those frontline fire emergency and volunteer officers and police who are battling this emergency,” he said.

“To the community in the affected and immediate areas around that fire, let me reinforce and be very clear — the fire is still uncontrolled.

“If you are in a lockdown situation or in any form of isolation or quarantine for COVID-19, you must do whatever you need to do — and you are allowed to this under our rules — to protect your life and those of your immediate family.”

Mr Dawson said people should use commonsense.

“Don’t stay in that property if you think you have to obey the COVID-19 rules,” he said.

“You must leave the property if you are under threat and go to suitable premises and keep us informed.”

People at evacuation centres have been waiting to learn about their homes. NCA NewsWire/Tony McDonough

A bushfire emergency warning is in place for parts of The Vines, Bailup, Ellenbrook, Gidgegannup, Milledon, Walyunga National Park, Upper Swan, Aveley, Henley Brook, Avon Valley National Park, Red Hill, Belhus, Baskerville, Herne Hill, Bullsbrook, Wooroloo and Brigadoon.

“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes,” DFES said in its alert.

The emergency department also warned “it is too late to leave” for some residents, suggesting leaving now could result in deadly consequences.

Max and Milena evacuated their home and are now waiting at an evacuation centre. NCA NewsWire/Tony McDonough

Meanwhile, a watch and act alert is in place for parts of Dayton, Ellenbrook, Melaleuca, Gidgegannup, West Swan, Henley Brook, Upper Swan, Brabham, Hovea, Stoneville, Wundowie, Middle Swan, Parkerville, Red Hill, Mount Helena, Jane Brook, Lower Chittering, Avon Valley National Park, Morangup, Bullsbrook, Muchea, Herne Hill, Chidlow and Wooroloo.

“There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing,” DFES said.

Map showing the fire zone. Picture: DFES.

Speaking on breakfast television on Wednesday, NSW RFS inspector Ben Shepherd said the state got a call late on Tuesday from authorities in WA asking for assistance.

“In a matter of hours, those planes were in the air and heading over … it appears they (plane) have already been put to work,” he said.

He explained crews are using the state’s “lead aircraft” which can carry more than 15,000 litres of water or gel.

“It will be put to work over the coming days and hopefully slow the spread of those fires.

“Under these kind of conditions, fires move incredibly quick. It looks like they’ve got more bad days on the way, so this thing is far from over.”

The fire, which started in Wooroloo about midday on Monday, is moving fast and is unpredictable.

Burning embers are also likely to be blown around homes, DFES warns.

More than 7300 hectares have been burnt so far.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

About 220 firefighters are battling the blaze, while aerial support has also been sent to protect crews and homes.

Some roads have been closed, with drivers urged to avoid the area or reduce speed due to smoke and other hazards.

The Department of Communities has set up an evacuation centre at Brown Park Recreation Complex in Swan View.

A second evacuation centre has also been set up at Swan Active Midland.