Bushfire WA: Read the recap of events on Thursday as fires across the state destroyed at least two homes

At least two homes have been completely destroyed in a catastrophic bushfire in Parkerville — one of five emergency-level blazes that were threatening lives and homes in two days of chaos for firefighters.

A tree that fell onto a power-line in strong winds has been pinpointed as the cause of the devastating Perth Hills fire that started about 9.30am on Thursday on Granite Road and quickly spread.

Fanned by hot weather and strong easterly winds, it moved too fast for crews to stop properties being engulfed — leaving a trail of destruction just four days from Christmas.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm confirmed the property losses late on Thursday and described the fire as “incredibly intense”.

Aerial footage shows the intensity of the fire and how it caused a two-storey home to collapse into a mangled mess of steel in minutes.

Eaton residents who fled a huge bushfire off Forrest Avenue will now be able to return home after the Department of Fire and Emergency Services announced the alert level had been reduced to Watch and Act.

It’s been a frantic two days for firefighters as unfavourable weather conditions ignited five out-of-control bushfires in WA.

All of the emergency-level fires have now been downgraded, but the battle is not over yet, with firefighters still working to put out four major blazes across the State.

Eaton residents were told to evacuate Thursday afternoon after a fire burning near Forrest Highway began to move quickly in a westerly direction.

More than 32 firefighting crews, including air support, were sent to halt the blaze as it shut down the major highway in both directions, which caused traffic chaos.

The Parkerville community will have to come to terms with the devastation a bushfire there caused after it destroyed two homes while ripping through more than 3000 hectares.

The fire put two men in Midland Hospital - one with minor burns and the other with a foot injury after he fell.

The Toodyay fire, which has been burning for two days, also jumped containment lines on Thursday afternoon causing the blaze to be upgraded to an emergency level for the second time.

The bushfire has now been contained but approximately 60 firefighters remain on site.

The Manjimup blaze remained at a watch and act level all day but is still burning in a north-westerly direction.

Several roads are still closed as 130 Parks and Wildlife services, and volunteer bushfire brigades work together to stop the fire.

Lancelin residents and holidaygoers breathed a sigh of relief now a blaze, which blocked access to and from the town, remains stationary and under control.

Eaton residents can breath a sigh of relief as the blaze that was threatening lives and homes has now been downgraded.

All three emergency level bushfires that firefighters were battling across the State today are now at a watch and act level.

Firefighters are still working to control the four major fires burning - Eaton, Parkerville, Toodyay, and Manjimup.

Residents in Eaton are still urged to be wary as the fire remains unpredictable.

Forrest Highway remains closed in both directions between Raymond Road, Acceleration Lane, Thomson Road, and Alyxia Drive.

The homeowner of a half-burnt-out house on Feldman Crescent has thanked a mystery man named Dingo for helping douse flames in his neighbourhood.

“I encountered a fella by the name of ‘Dingo’ who had his Landcruiser ute, firefighting equipment and I just jumped in with him and helped save properties up and down the street.”

“All I know is his name is Dingo, he’s from Gidgegannup, had his firefighting gear, and just helped save the day and probably helped save homes up the road.”

Rick said he had “no idea” what was happening to his own home as he helped fight with ‘Dingo’.

“I’m just going to assess the place, I don’t quite know where we are at yet so I’ll have a look and see where we are at from there,” he said.

A patio, back fence, and tin shed have been severely damaged at his home.

Rick was seen jumping a fence to put out a spotfire metres from his house around 5.30pm and seconds later firefighters helped douse the blaze.

“They are (firefighters) just a great team, thanks to everyone for being around here,” he said.

Next door to his Feldman Crescent home, a property on Richardson Road is completely destroyed along with at least three cars, one boat and a bobcat.

The bushfire in Toodyay has been downgraded but residents are still warned to keep an eye on fire conditions.

The fire in parts of West Toodyay, Moondyne, and Julimar has moved back down to a watch and act level as the blaze has been contained and is stationary.

However, DFES has told those not at home to not return as conditions are still dangerous and the weather could change.

The bushfire threatening homes in Eaton is now moving fast in a westerly direction.

It continues to be out of control and unpredictable with DFES warning burning embers are expected to be blown around homes nearby.

Those north of Forrest Highway, bounded by Eaton Drive, Lofthouse Avenue, Diadem Street and Old Coast are urged to act immediately to survive.

An evacuation centre is open at Eaton Recreation Centre.

Residents who are already devastated by the fires are tirelessly trying to stop further damage.

One man - whose home has been damaged by the blaze - was seen jumping a fence to put out a spotfire metres from his home on Feldman Crescent in Parkerville.

Next door to the home a property on Richardson Road is completely destroyed along with at least three cars and a bobcat.

Firefighters have flooded the suburbs as they continue to prevent anymore destruction.

The area has been decimated by fire as smoke continues to spew from trees.

At the man’s home, a patio, back fence and tin shed have been destroyed.

A multi-car crash on Estuary Drive in Vittoria is likely to further worsen road congestion in and around the Bunbury-Eaton areas.

It’s understood three cars were involved in a crash about 3.15pm, and a police spokesman said there was now heavy traffic in the area due to the crash and the detours in place because of the fire.

City of Bunbury Mayor Jasen de San Miguel advised people to avoid the area if possible.

“There’s a lot of people living in Eaton who work in Bunbury who’ll be going home about now, (so) if you’ve got other options I’d suggest not heading out that way because there’s going to be significant delays,” he said.

When questioned on whether DFES are being stretched thin after multiple bushfires sparked across WA, commissioner Klemm says the firies crew in the south west battling the blaze near Eaton are well equipped and have multiple resources to assist.