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Homes damaged in Waroona bushfire

Waroona residents are anxiously waiting to return to their homes today as authorities assess the damage caused by an out-of-control bushfire that threatened lives and destroyed property overnight.

At least one house was gutted and there are unconfirmed reports that up to five others near the townsite have been damaged.

A bushfire emergency remains in place as the fire, which was started by lightning strike on Thursday night, continues to burn close to properties.

Strong easterly winds caused the fire to flare and jump containment lines overnight. Similar conditions are forecast for tonight.

An aerial view shows how close the fire came to homes. Picture: Seven News

Department of Fire and Emergency Services operations area manager Rick Curtis said the damage was still be assessed.

"Property has been impacted but we are unaware of the extent of the damage," he said.

"The fire threatened homes just prior to midnight (last night) due to easterly winds and the intensity of the fire was strong until about 8am."

Mr Curtis said he hoped residents would be able to return to their homes this afternoon.

The fire burns behind the treeline at dawn this morning. Picture: WA Police/Twitter


This house was unscathed by the fire, the car wasn't as fortunate. Picture: Claire Tyrrell

More than 60 residents were evacuated to the Harvey Town Hall in the early hours of the morning, and for most it has been a sleepless night waiting to hear if their properties are safe.

"The fire is just above us and we got call at about 12.30am saying we had to evacuate," Waroona resident Elia Melia said.

"We really want to get back home to see if our house is okay. My parents have lived there for nine years. The smoke was so thick we couldn't see."

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More than 150 firefighters worked to tackle the blaze, which is contained but not controlled.

Waroona Shire chief executive Ian Curley applauded the efforts of firefighters who worked in winds that he said were the strongest he had experienced in 10 years living in the town.

"I've seen several fires and in terms of threats to a townsite, this was the most severe," he said.

"The fire was fought mostly overnight in horrendous conditions and firefighters did a great job and no doubt saved the town."

Police have blocked roads into Waroona. Picture: WA Police

Mr Curley described the wind as "cyclonic" as the fire raged within metres of the townsite.

"It was difficult to stand up outside the town hall and loose objects were blowing around," he said.

"Firefighters were standing in that wind and flames in the dark."

At least one house destroyed in Waroona fire emergency. Picture: Amelia Broun/7 News

Almost 200 residents attended a community meeting in Harvey this morning, where DFES incident controller Allan Riley spoke about the challenging conditions.

"The strong winds and the tiredness of firefighters are our main challenges. Those firefighters that fought the fire are the same ones who have worked during fires over the past two weeks," he said.

"We've still got strong winds today but the fire has been stopped at Hill Street."

He said the rough and hilly terrain of the "goat country" near Waroona was also a concern.

Mr Riley said crews were on high alert today and if the winds picked up the fire could threaten the town further.

This property owner lost his shed but fought the fire all night to save his home. Picture: Amelia Broun/ Seven News

Resident Chris Rogers was devastated to learn his shed was destroyed in the fire.

"My motorbike, tools, clothes, my son's furniture and his army things he can't replace were in the shed - we lost a lot," said.

"The firefighters defended the house, which was good, but we can't get back in yet."

Mr Rogers, a former volunteer firefighter, fled from his home at about 12.10am with his wife, son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren.

"The fire came so quickly. We checked the (DFES) website at 11.45pm and it was still a watch and act. We left at 12.10am," he said.

"I stayed for as long as I thought it was safe.

"At least everyone is safe, but it is hard knowing we lost so much."

Early this afternoon the emergency warning remained in place for residents in the Waroona townsite in an area bounded by McDowell Street, South West Highway, McLartey Street and Paganini Road.

A second meeting is due to be held at 5pm in the Harvey Recreational Centre, where hundreds of residents are taking respite until they can return to their houses.

Incident controller Allan Riley speaks to concerned residents at Harvey this morning. Picture: Claire Tyrrell


Property lost in Waroona fire. Picture: Amelia Broun/ Seven News