Bushfire causes destruction in WA’s Yarloop; three missing, almost 100 establishments destroyed

A bushfire reaped across the small West Australian town, Yarloop, on Thursday causing damages to lives and establishments. As of Friday morning, three people have been missing while 95 homes were destroyed in the incident.

The so-called Waroona fire burned 50,000 hectares, spreading to more towns in the south of Perth. The beef and dairy farm of Harvey was also hit by the fire after crossing containment lines. Yarloop is 125 kilometres from Perth where the emergency services commissioner, Wayne Gregson, held a press conference.

Gregson told the media conference on Friday that there had been “catastrophic” destruction at the WA town, which made the conditions even worst. Gregson said that it wasn’t yet confirmed but 95 establishments were likely destroyed including historical buildings, factories, the workshops, etc.

“An impact at 70 percent on the demountable component of the local school; also losses to post offices, adjacent stores and our own bushfire fire station infrastructure,” the commissioner stated. “Sadly, we have three people unaccounted for from Yarloop. We are making inquiries ... at the moment.”

Gregson added that there has been no news of deaths, but slight injuries have been reported to three or four people. Emergency Minister Joe Francis said that the fire had caused destruction to one-third of the town. He claimed that the government is 100 percent ready to help and support the victims of the bushfires to whatever extent possible.

Francis said that around 200 firefighters went to the scene to handle the situation. “Our absolute number one priority is obviously to fight the fire and try and get it under control as quickly as possible so that less people’s homes and livelihoods are at risk,” 9 News quoted the minister as saying.

Department of Parks and Wildlife spokesman Allan Riley earlier said that only 30 homes were seen standing in the town after the incident. Deputy Mayor Paul Beech said that several historic mills have turned into timber structures when the strong winds fanned fire flames.