Wooroloo Bushfire rages on claiming 71 homes

Two hundred firefighters are actively working in difficult terrain as erratic and strong winds continue to challenge crews on the front lines who are protecting what they can and putting containment lines in place this morning. As of this morning, 71 homes have unfortunately been claimed by the flames of the bushfire, however no deaths have been reported so far.

The southern flank of the bushfire and it's proximity to the top of Brigadoon and Upper Swan are still a cause for concern. The plume from the bushfire had also prompted heavy smoke warnings across parts of the Perth CBD, Joondalup, Fremantle and Rottnest Island.

The tropical low well north of the bushfire is also expected to continue a southwesterly trend over the next few days, bringing a reprieve in hot temperatures, however bringing with it strong winds that may hamper firefighting efforts.

Firefighters are expecting strong southerly winds to push the fire in a north/northeasterly direction today, therefore people situated within the Shady Hills Estate area need to keep up-to-date with warnings and enact their bushfire plans early. A meeting for evacuees only will be held at 1:00pm at Brown Park, Swan View.

A bushfire Emergency Warning is in place for people in parts of the Vines, Bailup, Ellenbrook, Gidgegannup, Millendon, Walyunga National Park, Upper Swan, Aveley, Henley Brook, Avon Valley National Park, Red Hill, Belhus, Baskerville, Herne Hill, Bullsbrook, Wooroloo, Brigadoon in the Shires of Mundaring, Chittering and Northam and the City of Swan.

Image 1: Bushfire Emergency Area via the Emergency WA website.