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Hundreds of firefighters are bracing for another day of soaring temperatures and high winds, with more properties believed to have been burnt overnight in a bushfire in Perth’s north.
More than 500 staff and volunteers from multiple agencies remain at the scene near Wanneroo on Friday morning, according to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
Authorities have confirmed 10 homes have been lost in the blaze that as of Friday morning had burnt more than 1820 hectares, however there have been reports overnight of more property loss.
An emergency warning remains in place for residents in parts of Jandabup, Melaleuca, Wanneroo and Mariginiup, and DFES warned people to stay away from the area as crews worked to fight the fire.
WA Premier Roger Cook has flown home early from a trade mission to China and will arrive back in Perth on Friday around midday.
“I again want to thank all those who have done what they can to keep damage to a minimum,” he posted to social media on Thursday.
A property destroyed by fire near Wanneroo.Credit: Emma Griffiths, 9News Perth
“Their efforts have ensured there has been no loss of human life. So, on behalf of all Western Australians: thank you.”
Temperatures hit 39 degrees in Perth on Thursday and Friday is forecast to be another baking day, with a high of about 35 degrees as Perth continues to swelter through a record-breaking heatwave.
A large air tanker from NSW has been called up to help fight the fire.
A 500-bed facility in Bullsbrook initially constructed as a quarantine centre during the COVID-19 pandemic but rendered useless by a change in border policy has been repurposed to house evacuees from the northern suburbs.
Acting Premier Rita Saffioti said federal Finance Minister Katie Gallagher had agreed on Thursday morning to get the centre operational so it could begin accepting displaced residents.
People staying at the Gumblossom Evacuation Centre in Quinns Rock are being moved to the Bullsbrook quarantine facility if they choose.
As well as claiming at least 10 houses, the Wanneroo fire has also left hundreds of horses with nowhere to go.
The brunt of the fire has ripped through a major equestrian area that is home to small acreage properties and also large agistment centres and equestrian facilities.
For the most up-to-date information about this fire, please visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au.
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