West Australian Fires
The ABC reports on the continuing problem of bush fires around Perth in West Australia, as a result of low humidity and high winds, Raging bushfire destroys 35 homes
Residents in several West Australian areas are facing a sleepless night as blazes continue to burn out of control.
Around 400 firefighters have been battling a number of blazes over the past 24 hours.
A blaze burning in the Roleystone and Kelmscott areas, south-east of Perth, has already destroyed 35 homes.
Authorities say that figure could reach 60, with winds of up to 70 kilometres an hour making it near impossible to bring the huge fire under control.
…To the north-east of the city in Red Hill and Brigadoon, an emergency warning is in place for a blaze that has been burning since Saturday night.
…A third fire in Coorow, north-east of Perth, has burnt nearly 5,000 hectares and is still not contained.
Fire officials suspect that the winds are blowing debris against the high voltage electrical lines and sparking the fires. Once a fire is started the winds are causing spot fires by blowing burning embers around, jumping roads and other forms of firebreak. The winds are also preventing the air tankers from flying and providing assistance.
