Man faces court charged over bushfire that destroyed 86 homes in Western Australia

The identity of the man who allegedly sparked a huge bushfire that destroyed 86 homes as well as machinery, sheds and livestock has been revealed.

The bushfire destroyed 86 homes. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tony McDonough

The man charged over a bushfire that was sparked during a fire ban and destroyed 86 homes northeast of Perth has failed to have his identity suppressed.

The Wooroloo bushfire, which started on February 1, burnt through 10,750 hectares of land, and 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.

Daniel Gunter Preuss is charged with a breach of duty and breaching a total fire ban.

Mr Preuss faced Northbridge Magistrates Court on Saturday charged with a breach of duty and breaching a total fire ban.

The father, who was represented in court by a duty lawyer, did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody to face court again on July 30.

On Friday, Acting Commander Tony Longhorn told reporters the arson squad had interviewed Mr Preuss two days after the blaze started and he provided a “version of events”.

Aerial view of the bushfire. NCA NewsWire/Tony McDonough

Investigations by the police and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services continued, and on Friday he was charged following another interview.

“We are not alleging that the fire was deliberately lit,” Commander Longhorn said.

If convicted, Mr Preuss faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

The bushfire was one of the worst in Western Australia’s history and has so far cost insurers almost $100m.

Originally published as Man faces court charged over bushfire that destroyed 86 homes in Western Australia