WA:Homes saved as WA bushfire contrained

AAP General News (Australia)
02-13-2011
WA:Homes saved as WA bushfire contrained

PERTH, Feb 13 AAP A bushfire alert has been downgraded for residents in parts of Muchea
northeast of Perth after firefighters contained a fast-moving bushfire and saved several
homes.

Residents who evacuated have been allowed to return home and the Fire and Emergency
Services Authority (FESA) said on Sunday morning there was no longer a threat to lives
and property.

But it is advising people to remain alert as around 120 firefighters work to strengthen
containment lines around the fire that has burnt through more than 1000 hectares after
starting around 1pm (WST) on Saturday.

In similar hot and windy conditions last Sunday a fast-moving bushfire swept through
parts of Roleystone and Kelmscott in the Perth Hills, destroying 71 homes.

FESA said firefighters assisted by aerial water bombers had saved several homes, outbuildings
and sheds from the Muchea fire but a small hayshed and fences had been destroyed.

A bushfire advice is in place for the northwestern part of Muchea in the shires of
Chittering and Gingin by the Brand Highway.

The cause of the fire was not known.

FESA and the Bureau of Meteorology had warned of a high bushfire risk in the Perth
region this weekend.

AAP ldj/nb

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES WA

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