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A destructive fire erupted in the Perth Hills, leading to the closure of major roads such as the Great Eastern Highway. The blaze, which ignited around 2 p.m. local time (5 p.m. AEDT), rapidly escalated to an emergency status.
Communities in Beechina, Chidlow, and Wooroloo found themselves in the path of the fire. It swiftly engulfed sheds and threatened homes, scorching over 70 hectares and prompting evacuations.
Fortunately, no homes have been reported as damaged yet. However, one derelict property has been affected, and there are accounts of shed damage.
By this afternoon, the fire had begun to slow, giving firefighting crews a chance to gain control over the situation.
The bushfire started to slow down a bit this afternoon, allowing firefighting teams to start getting on top of it.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services provided an update on the fire this afternoon, revealing it was sparked accidentally by machinery.
“We currently have 160 personnel on site with approximately 50 fire appliances from both volunteer and career fire and rescue,” district officer Shaun Champ said.
The emergency warning for the Beechina was downgraded to watch and act, resulting in the evacuation centre at Mundaring Arena being closed.
There’s remained a possible threat to lives and homes as the fire was contained, so residents were being asked to monitor conditions and warnings.
Despite the downgrade, a number of roads remained closed tonight including the Great Eastern Highway in both directions between Great Southern Highway and Old Northam Road.
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