At least three houses have been destroyed by bushfires ignited by an intense lightning belt that crossed WA’s Great Southern on Friday night.
One house was destroyed in Jerramungup, about 450 kilometres south-east of Perth, while two were burned down in holiday spot Hopetoun on the state’s south coast.
Two homes have been destroyed but there are fears more have been lost.Credit: Facebook
Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm said authorities had to deal with 68 fire incidents arising over just two hours on Friday with high temperatures and strong winds causing the bushfires to spread quickly.
Firefighters mobilised rapidly to defend the towns of Hopetoun, Newdegate, Jerramungup and Bremer Bay, while a large air tanker dropped retardant near Jerramungup.
Mr Klemm said while firefighters had done a tremendous job to minimise the damage, some property losses had been confirmed.
“We are aware of one house lost in Jerramungup and two in Hopetoun, where we are investigating another three destroyed buildings to ascertain if they were residential properties,” he said.
Homes have been destroyed in Hopetoun. Credit: Facebook
“Our thoughts are with those who have lost homes – it is devastating news for those people and we’ll be working with local governments and other agencies to provide whatever support is required.
“The conditions in the Great Southern last night were incredibly severe – the winds were so strong that they actually tore roofs off homes near the fireground.
“A sudden wind change also changed the direction of the bushfires and firefighters had to move extremely quickly to prevent the fires from reaching more homes.
“There has been some rainfall overnight that has helped firefighters get the situation under control and our immediate priority is to control and extinguish these bushfires.”
A fire threatened the coastal community of Hopetoun on Friday night. Credit: Facebook
Anthony Gallagher’s home in Hopetoun was one of those destroyed by the fire.
The community is rallying behind the local who lived at the property with his dog Max and daughters Jess and Matilda.
The Jerramungup bushfire also caused significant damage to Water Corporation’s water treatment plant, rendering key components inoperable.
Water Corporation is currently working to restore supply to the town but the community may experience intermittent supply or pressure disruptions over the coming days while the contingency supply arrangements are in place.
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