‘Heartbreaking’: State’s bushfire woes

Residents in Western Australia’s southwest have been warned they may be forced to flee their homes ahead of Christmas as firefighters battle dozens of bushfires across Western Australia on Saturday.

Emergency officials say a blaze burning in the Callcup, Crowea and Meerup area remains a threat to lives and property.

It has been downgraded to a “Watch and Act” alert but emergency services say the bushfire remains uncontrolled.

On Saturday, WA premier Roger Cook said at least three homes a had been destroyed in Parkerville, describing the situation as “distressing”.

“This is heartbreaking news especially so close to Christmas,” he said.

“On behalf of WA, I want you to know our hearts are with you and we are thinking of you and your loss.”

Temperatures are forecast to nudge 35C in Perth on Saturday.

A fire at Bailup, northeast of Perth, has been downgraded to an advice level and is not considered a threat to people or property.

Bushfire warnings have been downgraded across Western Australia, but residents are being warned to remain vigilant. Authorities fear fires near Callcup, Crowea and Meerup could flare up on Saturday and are warning residents to be ready to enact their bushfire survival plan. Warnings have also been extended to residents in the City of Swan and Mundaring Shire. It follows the loss of multiple homes in a fire at Parkerville which has been contained and downgraded. The state's Emergency Services Minister said residents are "not out of the woods yet", as the state prepares to face challenging weather conditions into the new year.

Several fires are burning in and around Perth, including at one at Kwinana in the city’s south.

Firefighters have brought a fire at Keysbrook, Nambeelup and North Dandalup, in Perth’s outer suburbs, under control.

The fires had earlier sparked emergency warnings and total fire bans remain in place.

In an update, Western Australia’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services said firefighters have worked “relentlessly” battling multiple fires over the past few days and nights.

“We are devastated for those whose homes and property have been destroyed in Parkerville and our hearts go out to them, especially this close to Christmas,” the Department said.

“With dangerous fire weather continuing until at least Boxing Day, this is another reminder that you need to be prepared and have a bushfire plan in place to keep you and your family safe.”