A fire that has been burning in Perth's north since Wednesday has been contained and controlled, after it was announced victims of the devastating blaze could receive some much-needed financial aid from the Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund.
Key points:
- The fire began in forest on Wednesday afternoon
- Eighteen homes were lost in the blaze
- Firefighters brought it under control on Sunday afternoon
At least 18 homes and dozens of outbuildings were destroyed by the fire in the semi-rural suburb of Mariginiup, in the City of Wanneroo, this week.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services Incident Controller Clinton Kuchel said on Sunday afternoon the fire had been downgraded to 'advice' level and many of the roads closed during the emergency would be reopened.
Mr Kuchel said 280 homes were saved thanks to the efforts of firefighters.
He said hazards remain and some local roads may stay closed for safety reasons or to protect workers on sites.
Some sites, such as Da Vinci Park in the Perth suburb of Tapping, are expected to remain closed for some time.
About 150 homes remain without power.
Funds to assist recovery
The relief fund – which distributes crowdfunding for people suffering hardship as a result of a disaster or emergency in WA – was activated on Saturday.
The City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas announced some immediate financial assistance for residents affected by the recent fires.
People who lost their homes will receive an initial $5000 payment, while owners of properties that suffered "major damage" will receive $3000.
"This is our way – the Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund – of being able to step in immediately," Mr Zempilas said on Sunday.
"And provide some pretty much instant relief for those families who have suffered the terrible loss."
Mr Zempilas said the appeal will be open from Monday and urged West Australians to donate.
"The appeal will open tomorrow … and I really do urge Western Australians, wherever they might be, to dig deep, as you always do," he said.
"Help your fellow West Aussies when they really need it."
Loading...People can apply for assistance at the Lord Mayor's Disaster Relief Fund website.
The relief fund was also activated for the flood victims in WA's Kimberley region following ex-tropical cyclone Ellie in January.
The Fitzroy River peaked at a record height and floodwaters caused significant damage to roads and infrastructure, leaving many communities isolated.
Mr Zempilas said he could not give an exact amount of money from the relief fund that had reached those communities.
"What I can tell you is that is a very different relief effort due to the remoteness, due to the complexities that we are dealing with in the community," he said.
"It's a much more elongated process."
The Mariginiup fire started on Wednesday afternoon in forest amid severe heatwave conditions.
It was downgraded from emergency level to watch and act on Friday.
A severe weather warning forecasting wind gusts of up to 90 kilometres per hour in some parts of the metro on Sunday was cancelled.
Mayor praises resilience
Linda Aitken, the Mayor of Wanneroo, praised her community for its resilience.
"At the moment I think we're still on the adrenaline high," Ms Aitken said.
"I think the reality will probably hit in the next week or two.
"So we'll have chaplains, we'll have councillors, we'll have people around to debrief them … we're working with them to help through it emotionally."
The WA Premier's Relief Payment was also available for residents impacted by the Mariginiup bushfire to help pay for food, clothing, personal effects, transport and emergency accommodation.
People whose homes have been destroyed or severely damaged will be eligible for a $4,000 payment, while those whose homes suffered minor damage may be eligible for a $2,000 payment.
Details are available from the DFES website.
Meanwhile, another emergency warning was issued on Sunday morning for a bushfire burning in parts of Kwolyin and Pantapin in WA's Wheatbelt, about 200 kilometres east of Perth.
It has since been contained and downgraded to an 'advice' level.
Visit Emergency WA, call DFES on 133 337, follow DFES on Twitter or listen to ABC Local Radio to stay up to date.