Bushfire damages farmland and homes

The bushfire that destroyed homes and farmland in the Tuart Grove subdivision in Lake Clifton, near Mandurah, has been contained but still poses a danger.

FESA incident controller John Tillman said on Tuesday the fire was “contained but not secure”, with fears strong winds could cause it to flare up again.

The fire has burned through more than 2000 hectares.

Acting South West superintendent Brad Sorrell told residents there were reports that as many as six homes had been lost in the fire, which broke out on Monday at midday. Homes in Armstrong Hills were the hardest hit.

Authorities said the blaze was deliberately lit. Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers.

“Several houses have been burned down, as many as six, but we need to make sure they are houses, not sheds, ” Supt. Sorrell said.

“We suspect six, and have confirmed four.”

Farm sheds, fences, powerlines and livestock were also destroyed in the blaze, but thick smoke has prevented authorities from making an accurate assessment of losses.

Debbie Harrison, who has a semi-rural property in Tuart Grove Avenue, left home with her three dogs and three cats.

She was facing an anxious wait, because she was unable to return to the property to rescue her three horses.

“I’m really concerned about the horses, I don’t care as much about the house, ” Mrs Harrison said.