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WA Bushfire Contained But Not Controlled On Fifth Straight Day Of Blaze

WA Bushfires: Contained But Not Controlled
DFES

The West Australian bushfire that has raged for five days straight has been contained but not controlled, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) says.

The alert level for Preston Beach and Lake Clifton, Harvey, Cookernup and the Waroona town site has been downgraded to 'watch and act', while evacuees from the town site of Waroona are being allowed to return home.

More favourable weather conditions Sunday allowed firefighters to establish containment lines around the enormous blaze.

However, the DFES is urging residents in the area to remain vigilant, as emergency warnings remain in place east of Waroona, Hamel and Yarloop and surrounding areas in the Shires of Harvey and Waroona.


They also advised that it was not safe for people in Preston Beach to leave due to debris across the road and current fire conditions.

The fire has destroyed 130 homes and on Saturday claimed the lives of two elderly men, thought to be aged 73 and 77. Authorities say that the town of Yarloop has all but been destroyed.

The blaze, which has a perimeter of 226 kilometres, is thought to have been initially sparked by lighting strikes on Wednesday.

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