Bushfire alert downgraded for Waroona in Western Australia
A bushfire that has destroyed at least one home south of Perth has been downgraded but authorities have warned it still isn’t safe for residents to return.
Winds that were tipped to challenge containment lines around the Waroona fire did not eventuate, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services said on Sunday.
As a result, the blaze was downgraded to a watch and act level but authorities warned there was still a possible threat to lives and homes. There is no running fire but the blaze is still burning around the town site.
A watch and act warning affects the Waroona town and the area bounded by Peel Road, South Western Highway, James Road, Paganini Road and Lake Moyanup.
DFES said one home had been lost and there were unconfirmed reports of other structures being damaged.
Further south a warning level for a blaze, which started from a lightning strike, in the Shannon national park has been upgraded. The emergency warning was issued after the fire broke containment lines and crossed to the west of Preston Road.
DFES warned at 4.30am WDST that homes in the area bounded by Boorara Road, Mottram Road, Muirillup Road, Bashford Road, Middleton Road and Bannister Road would be under threat by fire within an hour.
Spot fires were starting up to 100 metres in front of the fire and flames were 20 metres high.