Authorities say two bushfires in Western Australia have been contained, however, embers could flare up and the risk remains high.

December 27, 2021

Two bushfires that burnt through hundreds of hectares and destroyed one home in searing temperatures in Western Australia have been contained.

However, authorities warn burning embers from a fire in and around Chidlow in the Perth Hills could cause the blaze to flare up.

“Strong winds mixed with sweltering conditions over the past few days had been unforgiving,” Premier Mark McGowan told reporters on Monday.

“It has been a phenomenal effort in horrific conditions”.

He said firefighters and members of the public risked their lives to save properties and animals.

“There is no doubt these efforts have saved many, many people’s homes,” he said.

The Chidlow fire is “contained, under control, and stationary” after razing about 165 hectares, however, the burning embers remain concerning, Mr McGowan said.

About 100 firefighters and a large air tanker are on the scene and one home in Wooroloo has been destroyed.

About 120 homes in Wooroloo, Gidgegannup, and Chidlow are without power.

“It’s an anxious time for people caught up in the emergency. Especially given last year’s bushfire catastrophe, that destroyed 86 (homes),” Mr McGowan said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Margaret River fire is also contained, however, it remains out-of-control within the containment lines.

It is moving in a southwesterly direction with about 100 firefighters and a large air tanker at the scene.

The cause of the fire, which has burned through about 100 hectares is also under investigation.

A bushfire emergency warning remains in place in the Perth Hills.

The warning covers people and homes in the area bounded by Government Road, Old Northam Road, Forge Farm Riding School, Liberton Road and Jason Street in parts of Wooroloo, Chidlow and the Shire of Mundaring.

Perth has endured days of extreme weather, with maximum temperatures of 42C and 43C on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and 40C on Monday.

Meanwhile, police have charged a 42-year-old man with two charges of wilfully lighting fires in the Byford area in the early hours of Christmas Day.

The fire burned about 30,000 square metres of bushland and the man has been remanded in custody.

He is scheduled to reappear in the Perth Magistrate’s court on Friday.