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WA Bushfires Destroy Town, Overtake Townships Of Waroona, Harvey And Preston Beach

Three People Missing, Nearly 100 Building Destroyed In WA Bushfire Emergency

Three people are missing and 95 homes and businesses destroyed in a large bushfire south of Perth.

The town of Yarloop was devastated by the blaze, which doubled in size overnight and was being fuelled by high temperatures and gusty winds.

WA's fire authorities said there were 150 fire trucks attempting to extinguish the fire, which was apparently sparked by lightning on Wednesday.

The fires have also forced the cancellation of the Southbound music festival -- with headline performances from Disclosure, Bloc Party, Courtney Barnett and Foals -- which was set to begin today.

Yarloop, about 100km south of Perth, was in the eye of the storm. Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Wayne Gregson told a media conference 95 homes had been destroyed, with damage also to shops, historical buildings and fire fighting services.

"However, despite our best endeavours, these conditions have meant that the fire has doubled in size and is now around 50,000 hectares," Gregson said.

Residents contacted local media to report first-hand on the damage done to their town.

Yarloop Bowling Club president Ron Sackville told Radio 6PR the town was essentially destroyed.

"There's very little of Yarloop left. I couldn't get all the way down there but understand the steam museum is gone, there are only about eight houses left, the post office survived, the pub is gone, the bowling club survived," Sackville said.

"Fortunately I have a firefighting pump and house and managed to save our house and the horses that were in the paddock -- they are in the backyard now... But I look around 360 degrees and everything is burnt to a cinder. I think the post office is the only building left standing [in the main street]. The fire was horrendous."

Overnight, firefighters were working to strengthen containment lines around the South Western highway. At first light, aerial water bombing was due to recommence.

The efforts to extinguish the blaze will be made more difficult by temperatures of more than 32C forecast for the Mandurah region on Friday along with gusty winds, ahead of a cool change early next week.

Late on Thursday, holidaymakers and residents at Preston Beach were evacuated by boat after local roads were cut.

Residents and visitors making their way to evacuation centres have told the West Australian of choking smoke and falling ash.

We have just received a call direct from the Waroona fire ground from one of our Margaret River Fire & Rescue crew. The...

Posted by Margaret River Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service on Wednesday, 6 January 2016

In issuing its emergency warning early on Friday, WA's Department of Fire and Emergency Services said the blaze was "out of control and unpredictable".

It advised people in the towns of Waroona, Hamel, Cookenyup, Yarloop, Harvey, Preston Beach and Lake Clifton they must "act immediately to survive".

The Southbound music festival was cancelled, after road access was cut off by the fire, and one local road being reserved for essential travel only. In a statement to fans, festival organisers said ticketholders would be refunded.

"Everyone on site is absolutely devastated as we were working so hard to bring the best Southbound yet. Please understand at this time we will be extremely busy dealing with the cancellation and our thoughts are with those in danger due to the nearby fire," said festival director David Chitty.

URGENT: #SOUTHBOUND2016 CANCELLED. It is with great regret that we have to announce the cancellation of Southbound 2016, due to the fire situation in the festivals surrounding areas. After ongoing communications and information provided from the West Australian Police, Main Roads Department and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, we have no option but to cancel this year’s event. We cannot compromise patron safety and proceed knowing people’s lives are at risk getting to the event. The only alternate route given both main highways are closed is now compromised. The alternative access to the event communicated earlier today is now only open for essential travel. As of news recently to hand festival patrons are now not able to use this road leaving us with no access to the festival site. First and foremost our thoughts are with our local community of the South West, in what has been a challenging day, with more challenges to come. We give all our love and support to our local family in this intense time of stress. The fire, which started Wednesday afternoon and reached emergency status during the night and into Thursday morning, has left us with no time to relocate prior to gates opening tomorrow. “Everyone on site is absolutely devastated as we were working so hard to bring the best Southbound yet. Please understand at this time we will be extremely busy dealing with the cancellation and our thoughts are with those in danger due to the nearby fire.” David Chitty, Director. Information regarding ticket refunds will be released on Wednesday 13th January. Please rest assured Southbound patrons will receive a full refund on tickets purchased via official channels. Please sit tight at this time until further information is made available on Wednesday. For a full list of road closures, visit mainroads.wa.gov.au and to keep updated with all alerts and warnings, visit http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/alerts/Pages/default.aspx.

A photo posted by Southbound (@southboundfestival) on

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