An emergency bushfire burning dangerously close to homes in the Perth southern suburb of Ferndale has had its threat downgraded.
The blaze was reported at 4am Thursday morning, with residents near Canning River told to evacuate their properties.
The blaze in Ferndale.Credit: 9 News Perth
“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes,” the Department of Fire and Emergency Services alert read.
The emergency zone included people west of Canning River between Nicholson Road, Metcalfe Road, Latham Road and Willcock Street.
Four houses were under direct threat, with one resident’s backyard on fire, however DFES at 8am said there was no longer a threat to homes or lives and downgraded the fire to a watch and act.
Residents who evacuated are being told it remains unsafe to return due to fallen trees and powerlines.
DFES district officer Gareth Deeg said the fire was contained by 8.30am, with more than 80 firefighters assisting in difficult, gusty conditions.
“[This fire was] as close as you get without having any significant damage, or loss of property or life,” he said.
“The firefighters who responded to this incident have done an excellent job.
“There was a large ember attack from the initial fire, so properties were being heavily rained on by embers, and as a result of that, those embers have landed in people’s backyards so we’re working inside those properties and outside to extinguish all those hot spots.”
The cause of the fire, which burnt through 25 hectares, is yet to be determined.
Crews will remain on site mopping up today.
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