Fire safety 'not getting through'

Residents affected by the fire attend a community meeting held at Brown Park Community Centre. It was suggested that this resident had just heard the news her home had been destroyed. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Limited

WA'S emergency services minister Joe Francis says fire safety is not getting through to bushfire-prone residents.

More than 500 fire victims who packed a 10am community meeting in the wake of the Perth Hills inferno have been told they will not be able to access their properties for several days.

And more than a dozen roadblocks are expected to remain in place across Parkerville, Stoneville and Mount Helena in the shire of Mundaring today because the first zone is too unsafe for residents to enter because of fallen power poles, debris and spot fires.

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There were emotional scenes at the meeting, which was held at the fire evacuation centre at Brown Park in Swan View.

After the meeting, Mr Francis told reporters the message of fire safety was not getting through to some members of the community.

"We know of stories of people who have done the right thing, but some people don't, and living in a bushfire area you've got to take some responsibility," he said.

"A lot of people have been doing the right thing and getting their houses bushfire ready, but it is disappointing when you hear stories of people at one o'clock in the afternoon yesterday on the roof with blower vacs blowing out their gutters.

"Hopefully now, we're still at the start of a very challenging bushfire season, this is the last of this, but there's no guarantee."

Mr Francis said thoughts and prayers were with the victims.

He said 46 houses were destroyed and he warning bells had been ringing "for some time" that a disaster out fire would happen.

"We've been saying for some time that is is going to be a very very challenging bush fire season," he said.

"The catastrophic fire that we've seen the last 24 hours is something that we always thought could happen but we prayed wouldn't.

"Unfortunately our prayers haven't been answered."

There is speculation within the community that a power pole sparked the disastrous blaze.

Mr Francis said an investigation would continue into what started the fire.

However he said his best understanding at the moment was that it was not a Western Power pole that started the fire.

"But I don't want to set that in concrete, we will find out," he said.

People react emotionally at a community meeting in Mundaring. Picture: Colin Murty . Source: News Limited

Government announces relief funding

Also in Parkerville this morning, Acting Premier Kim Hames announced the State Government would provide $1 million to The Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund for the victims of the Parkerville Stoneville Bushfire.

Immediate support is available to displaced residents through the Department of Child Protection for food and clothing.

The State Government will also give $3000 in cash to those who have lost homes and $1000 fort hose who have damaged homes, available through through the Mundaring Shire.

Dr Hames said the $1 million would be available in he next few weeks.

"For those who do want to donate and do want to help, I encourage them to do it through The Lord Mayor's distress fund, and the best thing isn't to donate goods, but to donate the funds for things that are actually needed," he said.

Jean Limbert, 81, is anxious as she does not know if her house is standing. Picture: Colin Murty Source: News Limited

Grim news revealed

Forty-sixhomes have been confirmed destroyed. There are reports of two other homes also lost. But the toll is likely to rise with only 70 per cent of the fire area surveyed.

Most residents who have lost their home have now been informed of the grim news but others remain in the dark, with some angry at what they described as a lack of information from authorities. Others said they knew their homes were gone from news images and conversations with neighbours, despite receiving no official confirmation.

A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesman said a list of properties could not be given out publicly because owners needed to be told in private.

Sixty fire appliances remain at the scene, along with 250 firefighters. More than 650 hectares have been burnt.

Acting Superintendent Wayne Hawes urged residents: ``Just be patient please, we're doing the best job we can. For security purposes, the road blocks have been fixed, in support of that we have roving patrols in the area.

"We've had no reports of looting at this stage, we've had no reports of people going into the area, so at this moment we are content with our security levels."

After the meeting many residents said they were frustrated they could not get to their homes.

Tearful Richardson Road resident Pauline Watson told PerthNow her house had been saved, but her neighbours had lost their home.

Residents affected by the fire attend a community meeting held at Brown Park Community Centre. Many brought their pets along. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Limited

"We were so fortunate," she said.

"We stayed home for four hours and the amount of services... it's unbelievable. We got out about 3pm when it flared up on the property next to us, I begged my husband to go, so we got both of our cars and got out.

"Our house is fine, the one opposite us is gone and a lot on Riley Rd have gone.

"It was just pure luck to be honest, nothing else."

Mrs Watson said she was staying with family now. The assistance had been "wonderful" but "maybe prevention would be better than a cure."

"Prevention is always lacking and the fuel is enormous," she said.

Chidlow resident Garry Kelly helped with the fire by trying to protect friends' houses.

"It was fuelled by the wind, it didn't go very wide but it went very fast," Mr Kelly said.

"We just went from different property to different property making sure that animals were okay and making sure people who were away on holidays, we could give them just a piece of mind that their properties and animals were alright."

Residents affected by the fire attend a community meeting held at Brown Park Community Centre. Many brought their pets along. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Limited

Mr Kelly said police, firefighters and emergency workers yesterday were ``fantastic''.

"We were standing there yesterday in front of 20ft flames and just went down and asked one officer if he was okay for water, you could see the flames just roaring past," he said.

Residents were told the fire is contained but still burning out of control is some pockets.

Meanwhile, residents who stayed to defend their homes and remain inside the fire zone have been urged to stay put and not try and leave.

Premier Colin Barnett attended the meeting.

At the meeting, the Salvation Army was on hand to provide hot food for the evacuees and the Department of Child Protection was also providing support.

Another community meeting will be held at Brown Park again at 4pm today.

Twitter @KaitlynPST

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'Hero' saves four homes with esky

Resident Rob Coumbe thanks Sam Inu for saving his house from the Perth Hills fire. Picture: Jackson Flindell Source: PerthNow

HE'S been dubbed a hero of yesterday's Perth Hills bushfire, saving four of his neighbours' homes from fire using just an esky after flames melted his garden hose.

New Zealand truck driver Sam Inu, 39, refused to back down when thick smoke and flames descended on his Parkland Road home in the Perth Hills suburb of Stoneville.

One man has died and at least 44 homes have been destroyed in the fires.

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Using a 40-litre esky-like drinks bucket and refilling it from a neighbour's pool, he dashed back and forth repeatedly between the properties, dousing flames as they began licking homes.

When his own own appeared safe, Mr Inu turned his attention to the home of neighbours, including Rob Combe, whose home he also managed to save from the inferno.

This morning, Mr Inu told how he was forced to use the esky after flames melted his garden hose.

"I had to flank that fire. There was no-one else there do it. My garden hose melted so you've got to use what you've got laying around,'' he said.

"You can't let your home burn. You've got to do what you can. You've gotta defend your castle.''

But the Kiwi said he wasn't a hero.

"Nah, nah, no such thing. The firefighters and the volunteers, they're the real heroes. They're the ones who stand and fight,'' he said.

"I don't care what they (the authorities) say. You've got to strand and fight and defend your home."

Mr Inu said "nothing'' was going through his mind but saving his house.

"I just didn't want my house to burn, I wasn't going to let a fire take my house,'' he said.

Mr Inu has lived in Perth for a year and works as a truck driver for NZ demolition company Busy Bros.

When he spoke to PerthNow this morning, he'd had only one hour of sleep and was still helping firefighters douse "hot spots'" along his street.

"It's under control but there's still a few burning stumps and other hot spots we're trying to put out,'' he said.

"Down the street we lost a shed and I think two or three homes, but it could have been a lot worse. It could have been a hell of a lot worse.''

PerthNow photographer Jackson Flindell was in the thick of the firefight and witnessed Mr Inu's heroic actions yesterday.

"The first thing Sam said to Rob after Rob returned to his house was, 'Sorry for braking your fence bro!'.  He had to smash the fence down to get in and put the flames out,'' Flindell said.

Firefighters are battling a blaze in Perth that's destroyed 27 homes and has been linked to a man's death.

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Hills homes 'built to burn'

NOT even Superman could save the many houses in the Perth Hills that have basically been "built to burn" because they are not prepared for the bushfire season, a Perth expert warns.

Roger Underwood, a bushfire specialist and former general manager of CALM, said the "stay or go" message had been simplified to the point where it had actually become "terribly dangerous".

Mr Underwood told PerthNow he feared that yesterday's devastating Parkerville blaze, which killed one man and destroyed at least 44 homes, will not be seen as a wake-up call for many residents.

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He was horrified to hear residents were attempting to clean their overflowing gutters once they saw the bushfire's smoke - preparation that should have been completed months ago.

"Some of these people have read the literature that says often in a bushfire situation you are safer staying home than you are if you leave too late and you get caught on the road in amongst falling powerlines and falling trees and fire trucks," Mr Underwood said.

"What happened in Victoria on Black Saturday is a lot of people left their homes and then they were caught on the roads and died in their cars. People have read about that and I think the two reasons people stay behind is because they think they can save their house and assets, and/or they think they're safer there.

"This message has got around that you've got to stay or go and that is a terribly dangerous message because it's an abbreviation of the message that was originally designed after Ash Wednesday - which was stay if you are well prepared, and if you decided to go, go early.

"That's the full message and that's the correct message."

Mr Underwood said many people mistakenly believed they would not be affected by a bushfire, or that firefighters would be able to save them.

"A lot of people have no idea about the sort of speed at which a bushfire travels or the intensity of a fire," he said,

A fire in Stoneville has led to evacuations and loss of property. Resident Rob Coumbe thanks fellow resident Sam Inu for saving his house from being burnt down. Sam has been touted a hero for saving four other families houses from being burnt down. Rob and Sam live on Narla Retreat in Stoneville. Source: News Limited

"And if they stay and they haven't properly prepared their property or they are not themselves able bodied, fit people with the right sort of equipment, then they are asking for trouble.

"And I've seen many, many houses in the hills area of Perth where if you were Superman and you stayed behind, you wouldn't be able to protect the house.

"These houses are just so vulnerable. They're sitting within long unburnt, dense bushland, hills, with flammable vegetation right up to the walls of the house, gutters full of dead leaves. No one can protect those houses - they have been built to burn and they do burn.

"But on the other hand, if you are a fit young person, able bodied, you've got all the right equipment, you've cleared around your house to a distance of 50 metres out, you've got your own water supply, you've got your own power supply, all of those sorts of things and you've got a refuge area prepared within the house … if you've done all of that, then you are very likely to survive - and your house is very likely to survive.

"If you live in the (Perth) Hills area, which is a bushfire prone zone, you don't leave it until five minutes before the fire arrives to start doing your preparation.

"Unfortunately I don't think (yesterday's blaze) will be a wake-up call - in the last five years in WA, we have lost more houses than we have in the previous 50 years.

"We have had inquiries, we had the Keelty inquiry, we had hundreds of recommendations, and we have all sorts of people trying… but nothing seems to change on the ground. People just don't take any notice of it.

"I talk to a lot of people that live out in the hills and I come up against two very common attitudes - the first is it will never happen to me, there'll be a bushfire but we'll be right. The second thing they say is if there's a fire the guys in the yellow overalls and red trucks will appear at the door and the helicopter will be overhead and I'll be saved.

A fire in Stoneville has led to evacuations and loss of property. A resident on Ayres Road discovers the house has been burnt down. Source: News Limited

"I say to them you're one house in a street of 100 houses which is in a suburb of 10,000 houses and there's only two or three gangs firefighters that can turn up."

While some Perth Hills' residents chose to stay and defend their properties yesterday, others gathered their loved ones, pets and treasured belongings and headed for safety.

New Zealand truck driver Sam Inu, who has been credited with saving four of his neighbours' home from fire using just an esky, said he could not leave his home.

"You can't let your home burn," he told PerthNow. "You've got to do what you can. You've gotta defend your castle.''

Associate Professor Grant Wardell-Johnson, from Curtin University's Department of Environment and Agriculture, said a decision on whether to stay or go must be made "very early".

He said it was vital for residents living in fire-prone areas to have a well-considered plan because the longer they waited to leave their properties, the greater the danger.

"My view is that whatever the decision - it needs to be made very early," Associate Professor Wardell-Johnson said.

The Department of Fire and Emergency urges every resident living in bushfire-prone areas to be prepared - long before you are actually faced with the decision to stay or go.

Authorities advise homeowners only to stay and defend their property if they have done the necessary preparation work beforehand.

"During a bushfire, the safest place to be is away from the fire," the DFES says.

"Being involved in a fire may be one of the most traumatic experiences of your life.

"You and your family's survival and safety depend on the decisions you make now and how you act.

"Put your safety first - do not wait and see.

"Any decision you make should be based on survival - homes can be rebuilt. If a fire starts, leaving hours before a fire can reach you will always be the safest option for you, your family or household.

"Only stay and defeond your home if it is well prepared and constructed, and you are capable of actively depending it. Prepare for the emotional, mental and physical impact of actively defending your property.

"If you have any doubts about defending your home, you should leave."

A fire in Stoneville has led to evacuations and loss of property. A house on Ayres Road is lost to the flames. Source: News Limited

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52 homes destroyed, missing four found

Relief has emerged from the Perth Hills bushfire disaster after four people previously unaccounted for were found safe and well.

Vision taken from Matthews Way, Stoneville, where eight houses were burnt in yesterday's bushfire. Courtesy Colin Murty, The Australian.

Firefighters battle the devastating blaze in Perth Hills. Picture: DFES Source: Supplied

Bushfires raged across Perth, claiming one life and destroying at least 27 homes.

Residents affected by the fire attend a community meeting held at Brown Park Community Centre. It was suggested that this resident had just heard the news her home had been destroyed. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Limited

THE devastation continues to mount in the Perth Hills bushfire disaster with 52 homes confirmed lost.

But relief has emerged this afternoon after four missing people feared to have been victims of the blaze were found safe.

Police and fire authorities spent most of today desperately trying to find four locals missing since yesterday's devastating fires.

Meanwhile, firefighters were aided by the cooler weather today, with the blaze contained but not under control. A watch and act alert remains for the eastern part of Parkerville, Stoneville and Mount Helena.

Many residents will return to their fire-ravaged homes for the first time tomorrow with escorted visits planned. Further information will be revealed at a community meeting at 10am.

Support the Perth Hills Bushfire Appeal

Earlier today, Fire Commissioner Wayne Gregson said authorities were unsure if the four people were in the fire zone amid fears they had possibly fallen "victim to the fire".

But the Department of Fire and Emergency Services late this afternoon confirmed the people had either been tracked down or had reported to authorities.

A DFES spokeswoman said three of the four missing, all unrelated, were not in the fire zone at the time of the blaze, while one person remained at home protecting their house.

People had left the fire zone and were with family or friends or at another of their residences. DFES had sent its urban search and rescue team to look for the people.

Stephanie Bock, 27, walks past her burnt out neighbour's house with a bag of her personal belongings. Picture: Colin Murty Source: News Limited

Escorted returns tomorrow

The owners of those 52 gutted homes will be escorted to the charred ruins by shire and DFES officials tomorrow.

Another community meeting will be held at 10am tomorrow at Brown Park in Swan View.

People at a community meeting this afternoon were told 49 homes were gutted. DFES later confirmed the toll had reached 52 homes.

DFES Commander Stuart Wade told the meeting that some of the homes confirmed lost in the blaze were on Richardson Road, Riley Road, Matthews Way, Fennel Court and Cousins Way.

Cdr Wade told the several hundred people at the meeting 85 per cent of the fire had been tracked.

Cdr Wade said those who had lost their homes had been notified. He said those people would be escorted to see their homes tomorrow.

But he said it would be "a number of days" before most residents can get complete access to their homes which are in the fire zone.

He said this was due to major "hot spots" which were still active in the fire zone.

He said there was a case of a resident today who had gone back into the fire zone who later burnt their feet and hands.

"Firefighting resources were then redeployed looking for that person," he said.

"That was taken away from the efforts that we wold normally do."

Picture gallery: Carnage from the air

Stay and go message 'terribly dangerous'

Firefighters want to battle on

Residents 'can't go home for days'

Acting WA Police Superintendent Wayne Dawes used the afternoon community briefing to allay concerns there were reports of looting in the fire-affected areas.

He said there was no confirmation of any looting.

It's understood the resident who burnt his hands and feet today in the fire zone was one of the four previously unaccounted for.

It's believed he later presented himself to hospital after being burned.

Tears and disbelief

Noelene Michels, from Helena Valley, said she knew her house was close to the fire zone and that her son was still there, but she could not reach him due to roadblocks.

"We think it is ok, but we can't get through to check," she said.

Sally and Gary Elwood, from nearby Narla Retreat, already knew their home of 30 years was gone.

"I am a bit shocked, but until I physically see, it won't hit me fully, but I have seen it on Facebook so I know it is ours," Ms Elwood said.

"I know it is gone, but my glass is half full - the kids are fine, everyone is fine. We will just rebuild, at 48 - bloody hell."

Some of those at the 4pm meeting today were people who had lost their homes.

PerthNow spoke briefly to two separate couples - one in their 20s while the other middle aged - whose properties have been confirmed destroyed.

Both were too devastated to speak.

The young woman was in tears as she spoke with officials after the meeting and was too upset to speak any further.

Stoneville resident Paula Sajtinac lost her home to a bushfire in 2008. She was at the meeting at 4pm today and rose to speak at the meeting to extend her condolences to those affected.

"These people are in for a rough ride," she told PerthNow after the meeting.

"It affects you mentally, physically…everything."

Ms Sajtinac said as far as she was aware her home was still standing.

"We can't rest, it's so frustrating, until we know that that fire is out, we can start breathing again," she said.

"The fire came within three streets of my home but I just want to see it so that I know I still have a home.

"I can't live through that again…my heart goes out to all these people."

Firefighters battle against the devastating bushfire in Perth's Hills. Picture: Department of Fire and Emergency Services Source: Supplied

Geoff Bromilow, who lives on Conradi Place in Stoneville, left his home on Sunday with his partner, two dogs and his cat.

"We chose to get going, we rounded all the stuff we needed in terms of clothing and we have not been back since," Mr Bromilow said.

He added a neighbour of his had stayed to defend his property.

"As neighbours we have concerns for him…he said the front of our house looks ok," he said.

"But he also said his clothesline is like a dollop of plastic on the ground.

"I've been through quite a few bushfires and this is along the lines of one of the worst I have been around.

"A lot of where it (the fire) was, was hard to access so it made it a lot harder for the people trying to put it out."

Mundaring Shire president Helen Dullard said many residents were relieved to escape the flames.

"Visually, it was a very ugly fire. It was scary," she said.

The fate of livestock and pets is unknown but residents are bracing for the worst, while some firefighters have been treated for heat exhaustion and bee stings.

'It could have been a lot worse'

Fire chief Wayne Gregson said while heartbreaking the damage could have been much worse as more than 400 properties were at risk.

"We had done significant planning in regards to the amount of available resources," he said.

"I believe all of those preparatory efforts made a great difference to the way in which we were able to respond, there were a number of fires across the metropolitan area.

"We dealt with over 200 fires at the weekend, five or six of those were major incidents for us, including this one here.

"The damage was awful and I feel very sorry for those who lost their homes, but it could have been a lot worse.

"There were over 400 residential dwellings in the front of the fire, the intensity of the fire was such that it was unassailable in the front, firefighters had to fight the flanks."

A fire in Stoneville has led to evacuations and loss of property. A house on Narla Retreat is lost to the flames. Source: News Limited

DFES says the fire has been ``contained, not completely controlled''.

``There are few hotspots to the flank of the fire. We expect it to be under control by mid-afternoon. The weather is now on our side,'' the spokesman said.

One firefighter is being treated for a knee injury and DFES said their personnel had suffered ``no significant injuries'', despite working long shifts through the night and battling exhaustion to continue their efforts to contain the blaze.

Facebook page set up to help fire victims

Residents wait and worry to find out about their homes

Police investigate fire death

The fire has burnt more than 650ha. A 62-year-old Hovea man died from a suspected heart attack while trying to protect his home from another fire yesterday in the John Forrest National Park.

More than 350 personnel from various departments have been involved in trying to fight the flames, some of which were up to 20m high.

Dozens of families were evacuated to two makeshift centres overnight - many not knowing if their homes still stood.

More than 400 residents affected by the fire have registered at the welfare evacuation centre at Brown Park in Swan View both yesterday and today.

Department for Child Protection and Family Support director-general Terry Murphy said affected residents had been given access to all the support they need.

"People have spent time at the centre where they have been provided with meals, clothing and personal items, personal support such as counselling and psychology services, and access to shower facilities and other services they may require," he said.

"Twenty people were accommodated at the evacuation centre overnight."

Pregnant resident Sian Musgrove, 31, doesn't know if her family house of 50 years is still standing. Picture: Colin Murty Source: News Limited

The loss of homes and property in the Perth Hills region can be seen from the air after a massive fire swept through the region on Sunday. Picture: Matthew Poon Source: News Limited

Weather update

A COOL change brought a reprieve for firefighters today but sweltering conditions and catastrophic fire danger ratings will return at the end of the week.

After Perth sweated through its hottest night on record on Saturday, a cooler change and south-westerly winds today means the forecast maximum is just 29C.

The mercury will hit 30C tomorrow before temperatures return to the high 20s for Wednesday and Thursday.

But firefighters will again be on their highest alert when the weekend approaches, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning hot north-easterly winds will crank up temperatures later in the week.

The bureau has forecast 38C on Saturday and 37C on Sunday, with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services again expected to issue ``catastrophic'' fire warnings for areas around Perth and elsewhere in WA.

KEEP UP TO DATE:

Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 1300 657 209, follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.

WHAT TO DO:

* Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.

* Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.

* Read through your bushfire survival plan.

* If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.

A fire in Stoneville has led to evacuations and loss of property. A house on Ayres Road is lost to the flames. Source: News Limited

The cause

The cause of the blaze has still not been confirmed. But Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis believes a power pole on private property caused the fire.

Investigators are believed to have pinpointed the ignition point of the fire late yesterday to a private property in the Perth Hills.

There are a number of semi-rural properties within the area that have constructed privately owned powerlines and poles.

Energy Safety warns residents that the responsibility for maintenance of those lines rests with the property owner.

"If overhead power lines aren't inspected and maintained, they can clash or be brought down by strong winds, falling trees and branches, creating a serious safety and bushfire risk," it warns on its website.

"Just as network operators are required to maintain the power lines and poles that they own, customers with privately-owned power lines are required to do the same."

The loss of homes and property in the Perth Hills region can be seen from the air after a massive fire swept through the region on Sunday. Picture: Matthew Poon Source: News Limited

Homes without power

Electricity has been restored to 300 homes today, leaving about 700 homes without power.

Western Power reported tonight that it may be some time before power can be restored to the remaining homes because the network will need to be rebuilt.

About 150 power poles are understood to have been destroyed or damaged in the blaze.

"In the fire affected area there are numerous burnt power poles and lines across roads," a Western Power spokeswoman said.

"Our crews have not yet been able to access the fire affected area to start rebuilding the electricity network however they have connected a mobile generator to local shops on Stoneville Rd to help customers."

The aftermath of the devastating bushfire in Perth Hills. Picture: Colin Murty Source: News Limited

What to do? Make the safe call.

1) If you see fallen power lines - stay clear and call Western Power's emergency line on 13 13 51.

2) If power lines fall across your car - stay inside the car until help arrives.

A fire in Stoneville has led to evacuations and loss of property. Resident Rob Coumbe thanks fellow resident Sam Inu for saving his house from being burnt down. Sam has been touted a hero for saving four other families houses from being burnt down. Rob and Sam live on Narla Retreat in Stoneville. Source: News Limited

Premier cuts short leave
The Premier, Colin Barnett, has cut short his annual leave and is working out the details of an assistance package for victims of yesterday's Perth Hills inferno.

A spokesman for the Premier said: "Officially he's still on leave but he's in the office this morning. Obviously there will be a short-term assistance package for people who have lost their homes or been affected by the fire and we're working out exactly what that will be this morning.''

Mr Barnett was holidaying at home and did not have to return from overseas or interstate. He attended a community meeting for residents this morning.

But it was Deputy Premier Kim Hames who announced the State Government would be providing $1 million to the Lord Mayor's relief fund.

A fire in Stoneville has led to evacuations and loss of property. A resident on Ayres Road discovers the house has been burnt down. Picture: Jackson Flindell Source: News Limited

Insurance claims

The blaze is still smouldering, but Perth Hills residents have already been told to get the ball rolling on their insurance claims.

And insurance companies have promised to make the claims of fire-affected homeowners a ``priority''.

Insurance Council of Australia spokesman Campbell Fuller this morning said the insurance industry was moving quickly to help those in need.

``Anyone who has a policy and who has been affected by the bushfires should contact their insurer as soon as possible and start talking about the claims process and the assistance that the insurer can offer the policy holder,'' he said.

"(Bushfire) claims will be prioritised.''

Heroic stories emerge

Heroic stories have started to emerge from the fire zone, with one man saving four houses by himself. When PerthNow found him he was still trying to extinguish burning stumps with a bucket of water.

Sam Inu used a bucket to fill with water and put out spot fires as he saw them.

He was using a 20L bucket and going back and forth from the neighbour's pool to put out the fires.

He told PerthNow "nothing" was going through his mind apart from saving his house.

"I just didn't want my house to burn, I wasn't going to let a fire take my house," Mr Inu said.

Firefighters battle the devastating blaze in Perth Hills. Picture: DFES Source: Supplied

A family of six who lost their Stoneville home said authorities were incredibly helpful.

"We know they did everything they could have," Symone said.

Some people who tried to fight their houses couldn't because there wasn't enough water pressure.

Deborah told PerthNow the fire was "bigger than any of us thought it was going to be."

"It's unfortunate that some of us have just lost our houses," she said.

Deborah and her family have lived in Stoneville since 2008 and said she had never seen anything like this fire.

Other residents told PerthNow the wind was going in every direction as they fled their homes.

They heard of neighbours using water from spas to try and protect their homes.

Bert said he worked to save his house.

"The brigade let me in once they thought it was safe," he said.

Sawyers Valley resident Joy Smith told PerthNow how she and her husband helped evacuate collector's cars to the local oval.

She said she had heard of a son's friend - a 25-year-old first homebuyer - who was one of 18 Stoneville residents confirmed to have lost their houses today.

West Coast Waves captain Melissa Marsh tweeted that her team-mate Shani Amos had lost her family home in the fire.

At 12.51pm yesterday, St John Ambulance officers were called to a Hovea house where a man had collapsed on his roof. He had reportedly been trying to defend his home from the fire.

"St John responded to the incident but was unable to access the roof. Despite assistance from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services in getting onto the roof, the man passed away at the scene," a SJA spokesman said.

A minute later, a man fell through the roof of a house in Stoneville and was taken to Royal Perth Hospital. The 52-year-old man is in a serious but stable condition.

Flames were 20m high in yesterday's unpredictable and fast-moving blaze in Parkerville, which was first reported at 11am and crossed over into Stoneville and Mt Helena.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited

SJA attended a small number of fire-related callouts in the Perth Hills yesterday. Two first aid crews, a paramedic crew, and an emergency management unit vehicle have been sent to provide first aid and support in Parkerville.

At 12.17pm, St John attended to a 74-year-old man in Pickering Brook who was complaining of chest pains. The man was taken to RPH, where he was last night in a stable condition.

Firefighters battle the devastating blaze in Perth Hills. Picture: DFES Source: Supplied

The fire started between Jonhston Road and Granite Road, before it has crossed Stoneville Road near Riley Road and is now burning towards Mount Helena and Chidlow.

Geraldton

A blaze in Geraldton that was out of control is now contained.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said there was no immediate danger or threat to lives or homes from the fire near the Geraldton Mount Magnet Rd.

"Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes. The fire is burning approximately five kilometres north of the road," a spokesman said.

The road has now been reopened.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited

Firefighters battle the devastating blaze in Perth Hills. Picture: DFES Source: Supplied

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property Source: News Limited

The Perth Hills blaze was the worst in a horror weekend for WA fire authorities, who battled fires in Wanneroo, Boddington, Denmark, Gosnells, Shark Bay and a major fire in Baldivis yesterday.

The fires came after two successive days of 40-degree heat in Perth, and an oppressive heatwave in the northern part of the state all week.

This is the latest devastating blaze in WA in the past several years. In December 2009, 38 homes in Toodyay were destroyed by fire, while in February 2011 71 homes were lost in Roleystone and Kelmscott. In November 2011, a fire destroyed some 50 properties in Margaret River.

For updated information people can call DFES on 1300 657 209.

Reports of suspicious behaviour can be made to CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

The Perth Hills fire is continuing to rage, with dozens of firefighters battling the blaze and two evacuation centres set up. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited

What to do:

Stay alert and monitor your surroundings

Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.

Read through your bushfire survival plan.

If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.

Road closures:

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

The following roads have been closed:

Keane Street and Alice Road in Mount Helena

Princess Road and Cook Street in Mount Helena

Kintore Road and Riley Road in Parkerville

Stoneville Road and Malumba Place in Stoneville

Jarrah Road and Stoneville Road in Mundaring

Stoneville Road and Prosperity Road in Stoneville

Stretch Road and Kean Street Mount Helena

Kilburn Road and Schoch Road in Parkerville

Riley Road and Sexton Street in Mount Helena

Stoneville Road in Stoneville and Riley Road in Parkerville

Alice Road and Prosperity Road in Mount Helena

Granite Road and Richardson Road in Parkerville

For further details contact Main Roads WA on 138 138 or visit www.mainroads.wa.gov.au

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Man on murder charge over party death

Facebook pic of Jamie Devine, who was named as the victim who died after an out of control Attwell party. Source: Supplied

Police and Forensic officers investigate an out of control party at Lydon Blvd in Atwell, where one man died and others were injured. Picture: Stewart Allen Source: News Limited

A 23-YEAR-old Atwell man has been charged with murder over the death of a young Forrestdale father after a 21st birthday party in Perth's southern suburbs went horribly wrong.

The 20-year-old victim, named as Jamie Devine, had been celebrating with his family and friends at the Atwell house when an argument broke out during the early hours of Saturday.

This afternoon, police revealed Major Crime officers have charged a 23-year-old man with one count of murder and two counts of unlawful wounding.

The accused has been refused bail and will appear in Fremantle Magistrates Court tomorrow.

It is not known what caused the argument but it is understood the young man and a friend were stabbed.

It is estimated around 100 people were at the house.

Police said they were called to the Lydon Boulevard address at around 1.30am, following reports several people had been injured and a fight had spilled into a nearby street.

When officers and St John Ambulance personnel arrived they found three males had been hurt, including one seriously.

Mr Devine, who ran his own refrigeration and tree-lopping business, was taken to Fremantle hospital but died a short time later.

Two other males were also injured - a 21-year-old Atwell man remains in Royal Perth Hospital and a 22-year-old man is being treated in Fremantle Hospital.

The injuries to the two men are not believed to be life threatening.

This morning police sealed off Lydon Boulevard as forensic officers combed the area for evidence.

They also sealed off another house in nearby Dusenberg Mews where the fight spilled out to.

As officers carried out their investigation, the mother of the 21-year-old male who was injured arrived to collect some belongings.

Rachel Bowen's 21-year-old son Brodie Brouns suffered a 13cm knife wound to his arm as he tried to defend himself while trying to break up a fight.

She explained she received a call just after 2am saying her boy had been stabbed.

When she arrived she saw three ambulances, one with her son inside, another with his friend who later died.

"Brody has a 13 cm stab wound from his elbow and is getting operated tomorrow morning," she said.

"I haven't been able to speak to him about it. My daughter was there as well.

"He was a mate of my son and daughters. A father of (a two-year-old).

"It should never have happened. I had to ring my son to tell him his mate had died.

"He's gutted, he wants to get out of hospital and be with the family.

"But he can't, he has to wait to be operated on.

"As far as I heard it was a normal party, no gate crashers. They were speaking the boy who did it 10 minutes before it happened.

"All of a sudden it blew up and we still don't know why."

Ms Bowen's later spoke to her son on the phone, who told her that he needed plastic surgery for his injuries.

When asked how her son got injured, Ms Bowen said she understood he had been trying to break up another fight.

She said she did not know the young man who died but that he was a good "kid" who never did anything wrong.

"The boy that was killed doesn't go to parties, he's a good kid, it was the wrong place at the wrong time. He has a two-year-old daughter. It's affected how many families now."

Residents in Dusenberg Mews said they heard the party but weren't concerned until they heard dozens of footsteps descend into their street just before 2am.

Vanessa Farrell said at one point she thought a fight was going to break out outside her house but it stopped right next door.

"I heard a lot of swearing and a lot of get him," she said.

"There was a group of about 12 of them then another group of 12.

"They had him holed up in the alcove next door."

Mrs Farrell said she and her husband were worried they mob would turn on them.

She said they dispersed once police arrived.

A house in nearby Dusenberg Mews was also taped off by police this morning. Picture: Stewart Allen Source: News Limited

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'Shocked to my core': rape victim

CCTV showing escapee Cameron John Graham while he was on the run. Source: Supplied

THE Perth woman raped by prison escapee Cameron John Graham has revealed for the first time about her horrific experience and says her life has been "shattered on every level."

In a 1000 word essay, the stoic married mother of two children, who now lives overseas, said hearing of Graham's escape from custody last week made her furious and had brought back "terrible memories and flashbacks."

Graham, 22, was sentenced to 11 years jail for repeatedly raping the woman in her home in January 2013. The women's two children, whom Graham threatened to kill during the terrifying ordeal, were sleeping in a nearby room. Last Friday he escaped from the back of a prison van after being flown from Perth to Geraldton to be closer to his family over Christmas. Both he and another prisoner who escaped with him were recaptured last Sunday.

The woman's powerful essay in full

It's hard to describe my reaction to Friday's news of his escape, as it was a complete shock to me that this could happen and I was overwhelmed by emotions and anxiety.

I woke that morning to see an urgent email from Victims Notification Services trying to get in contact with me as they did not know I had moved away from Perth. I went straight onto the internet for further information and was confronted with a picture of my rapist and confirmation of what had occurred. I then contacted my family back in Perth.

Initially I could not understand why he was being moved and was unclear if he had been in prison in Perth or Geraldton. As the events came to light, I was more and more shocked to learn what had happened. My head was still trying to process the news that he had the opportunity to escape, then to learn he had been moved closer to his family as a Christmas privilege to a primarily medium security prison. I was completely astounded.

I was terribly upset and angered that the people responsible for detaining prisoners of this nature seemed to have no regard to the seriousness and gravity of the horrific ordeal that I endured and the risk to public. He was only a month into his sentence for committing humiliating, degrading and terrifying acts that have shattered my life on every level. I am furious knowing that this privilege was happening on taxpayers' dollars (mine included) when it's hard to even calculate what this has cost me and my family financially, not even considering the permanent and ongoing impact it has had on every aspect of my day-to-day living.

It's been almost a year since the event and I still cannot fall asleep at night alone in a room without overwhelming anxiety and the need to put the television or light on. I have regular nightmares of certain aspects of my ordeal which wake me in the middle of the night with uncontrollable feelings of fear and anxiety, often remembering how he woke me from my sleep after walking through our house, through my children's rooms while he was planning what he later forced me to do. Since hearing of his escape I have had constant anxiety and cannot be alone in the house or able to sleep without medication. It has brought back terrible memories and flashbacks and I am finding it hard to control my emotions.

I really struggle to try and describe the impact the assault has had on life for me and my family. Although I was struggling to deal with what had happened, I was determined to try and start the New Year looking forward to getting on top of my anxieties and fears, but the news of the weekend shook me to my core. Prior to him being captured, I was terrified for the public and anyone that got in his way as I know how cold, cruel and menacing he was to me, let alone what he could do with desperation and his own self-preservation in mind. I don't want to discuss anything around the event as it is too painful and disturbing for me and for my family to keep hearing. I really don't think people truly understand the ongoing trauma and impact this also has on the lives of family and friends, unless they have experienced something similar. At times I even feel guilt for the stress this has caused others.

I appreciated the fact that the Minister Joe Francis contacted my husband to explain and offer his apologies for the incident occurring; however, I did not speak to him personally because I was still tremendously upset about everything that had happened over that weekend. I do believe that someone should be accountable for allowing this to happen and I am extremely disappointed that it takes an incident like this to highlight these flawed policies that have no regard for victims or the public.

I also believe that the initial sentence he was given was very light for the horrendous crimes he committed. He has shown over and over that he will continue to commit crimes, escalating in nature and has no fear of going to prison as he kept telling me that throughout the ordeal. This recent incident proves that he has no shame or remorse for his actions and he should be in maximum security never to be moved again or given any privileges. I truly hope that he gets the maximum additional sentence the system will allow, with no parole. I will always have to live with those memories of being confined and powerless with an utterly revolting, disturbed and cowardly individual, who continually threatened the lives of my sleeping children, but there is some comfort in knowing he is locked away and not able to do this to somebody else.

Life has been extremely difficult in every way since last year. Immediately following, I could no longer reside in the dream home we had spent two years building and had to move to a small secured apartment complex which made life very difficult for our two young children who couldn't understand why they had to leave their new home.

My husband had to leave his FIFO job to be home with me and the family. I felt that I could not remain in Perth with constant reminders and the fear that his family may seek retribution for me going to the police. Overall, I feel that my independence has been lost and I cannot be alone in a house without constant fear, anxiety. Flashbacks, nightmares and trouble sleeping are a constant reminder. I have to take medication to help me cope with the gravity of it all.

It has affected my relationship with my husband and the terror of my children ever being harmed or threatened will always be at the forefront of my mind, especially knowing he was standing just a couple of feet from my four-year-old daughter and six-year-old year son while they slept.

I do have a level of inner determination not to let this affect me for the rest of my life though. I am hopeful to one day be able to return to Australia and maybe Perth without the fear and traumatic memories which are so fresh to me now. With all of the unrest my children have felt over the last year, I am very focused on ensuring they feel secure, safe and happy. I also feel very thankful that my work has been supportive and gives me a degree of satisfaction. Between the support of my work, family and friends, I am hoping to feel like a person of worth again at some point in the future.

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Man critical after being set alight

Police are investigating a case where a 20-year-old man was set alight in Cannington early this morning and suffered burns to about 40 per cent of his body. Source: News Limited

POLICE are investigating a case where a 20-year-old man was set alight during a fight in Cannington early this morning and suffered burns to about 40 per cent of his body.

The victim, from East Cannington, is in Royal Perth Hospital in a critical but stable condition. He was burnt on his legs and abdomen, with minor burns to his face.

Police believe the incident occurred around Mallard Road and Hamilton Street in Cannington between 4am and 4.30am.

Kensington Detectives officer-in-charge Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Rob Jamieson said the victim was out walking and was approached by five dark-skinned males, a police spokesman said.

He said during the altercation it is believed some form of accelerant was poured or sprayed onto the victim and he was set alight.

The man showed up at Cannington Police Station about 4.30am and collapsed. An ambulance was called and the man was taken to Royal Perth Hospital.

The police station was closed after the incident, but has been reopened this afternoon.

One of the offenders is described as 18 to 25 years old, about 175cm tall, of slim build and was wearing black and red basketball shorts and no shirt.

The victim is described as fair-skinned and at the time of the incident he was wearing black jeans or shorts, white sneakers and a black singlet. He was shirtless when he arrived at the police station as he had taken it off as he put out the fire.

Detectives want to speak to anyone who saw the victim or offenders in the area this morning.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Man dies in Perth bushfire

Reports at least 12 homes have been destroyed and others damaged by a fire raging through Perth's hills.

What started as a scrub fire in Jolimont came dangerously close to homes.

The fire travelling north on Alice St with Mt Helena to the east. Picture: Alan Collins/Twitter Source: Supplied

Water bomber reloads with water battling the Parkerville blaze. Picture: Kristy Goodchild/Facebook Source: Supplied

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited

A 62-YEAR-OLD man has died and at least 27 homes have been destroyed in a bushfire crisis in Perth's Hills.

Thick black smoke blankets the Perth Hills as dozens of families have been evacuated to two makeshift centres and more than 100 firefighters battle the blaze on land and by air.

Last night, the fire alert had been downgraded to a watch and act level, with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services saying the blaze was contained, but not under control.

Out of control blaze in John Forrest National Park

Facebook page set up to help fire victims

Residents wait and worry to find out about their homes

Bushfire in Baldivis

It was reported in one area of Stoneville alone - properties in Grenville Road, Ayers Road and Nala Road - 18 homes have been lost to the flames. It is also reported that six homes along Richardson Road in Parkerville have been razed.

DFES confirmed at a community meeting in Swan View tonight 27 homes have been destroyed by the fire. Specific streets where homes were gutted have not been revealed.

But that number is expected to rise as assessments of the fire zone continue overnight and tomorrow.

The cause of the blaze is unknown. However, speculation among locals centres on a fallen power pole.

A fire in Stoneville has led to evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Jackson Flindell

Another community meeting will be held at 10am tomorrow.

Heroic stories have started to emerge from the fire zone, with one man trying to save four houses by himself. When PerthNow found him he was still trying to extinguish burning stumps with a bucket of water.

Sam used a bucket to fill with water and put out spot fires as he saw them.

He was using a 20L bucket and going back and forth from the neighbour's pool to put out the fires.

A fire in Stoneville has led to evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Jackson Flindell

A family of six who lost their Stoneville home said authorities were incredibly helpful.

"We know they did everything they could of," Symone said.

Some people who tried to fight their houses couldn't because there wasn't enough water pressure.

Deborah told PerthNow the fire was "bigger than any of us thought it was going to be."

"It's unfortunate that some of us have just lost our houses," she said.

Deborah and her family have lived in Stoneville since 2008 and said she had never seen anyone like today's fire in the suburb.

A fire in Stoneville has led to evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Jackson Flindell

Other residents told PerthNow the wind was going in every direction as they fled their homes.

They heard of their neighbours using water from spas to try and protect their homes.

Bert said he worked to save his house.

"The brigade let me in once they thought it was safe," he said.

A Sawyers Valley woman Joy Smith told PerthNow how she and her husband helped evacuate collector's cars to the local oval.

She said she had heard of a son's friend - a 25-year-old first homebuyer - who was one of 18 Stoneville residents confirmed to have lost their houses today.

West Coast Waves captain Melissa Marsh tweeted that her team-mate Shani Amos had lost her family home in the fire.

At 12.51pm, St John Ambulance officers were called to a Hovea house where a man had collapsed on his roof. He had reportedly been trying to defend his home from the fire.

"St John responded to the incident but was unable to access the roof. Despite assistance from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services in getting onto the roof, the man passed away at the scene," a SJA spokesman said.

It is not known whether the man's death, which Seven News reported was a suspected heart attack, was fire-related.

A minute later, a man fell through the roof of a house in Stoneville and was taken to Royal Perth Hospital under normal road conditions. The 52-year-old man is in a serious but stable condition.

A fire in Stoneville has led to evacuations and loss of property. A resident on Ayres Road discovers the house has been burnt down. Picture: Jackson Flindell

Flames are 20m high in the unpredictable and fast-moving blaze in Parkerville, which was reported at 11am. The unpredictable winds have hampered efforts to control the blaze.

Dozens of people are waiting and wondering if their homes are still standing, as the initial emergency evacuation at Mundaring Recreation Centre reached capacity quickly.

This prompted another to be set up at Brown Park in Swan View.

Last night, the Mundaring centre was closed with everyone relocated to Brown Park.

DFES was still reviewing numbers at Brown Park, which most people were using to rest, gather themselves and get some food.

Just after 9pm tonight, the crowd at Brown Park was getting thin and it remained unclear how many people would be staying there overnight. Air mattresses and trundle beds were made available if needed.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited

SJA has attended a small number of fire-related callouts in the Perth Hills today. Two first aid crews, a paramedic crew, and an emergency management unit vehicle have been sent to provide first aid and support in Parkerville.

At 12.17pm, St John attended to a 74-year-old man in Pickering Brook who was complaining of chest pains. The man was taken to RPH, where he was last night in a stable condition.

St John will continue to operate a first aid post from both Parkerville and also Baldivis, where another bushfire has been contained.

An area manager has been stationed at the command centre in Parkerville and a manager, metropolitan operations has been stationed in Baldivis.

Firefighters battle the devastating blaze in Perth Hills. Picture: DFES Source: Supplied

Another fire has started in the John Forrest National Park, with parts of Swan View being evacuated.

Nine News reporter Kelly Williams said there was speculation that the Stoneville shops had gone up in flames.

The fire started between Jonhston Road and Granite Road, it has crossed Stoneville Road near Riley Road and is now burning towards Mount Helena and Chidlow.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited

People in Mount Helena who live west of Alice Rd and Sawyers Rd are not safe to leave.

It is safe to leave in the northern part of Mundaring and Mt Helena.

In total, more than 350 firefighters and personnel from other agencies responded to the fire. Aerial support was provided to crews on the ground during the day and will continue at first light tomorrow if needed.

Texts and voice messages have been issued to residents in Parkerville, Stoneville and Mount Helena. The cause of the fire is unknown.

At least two firefighters have been treated for heat exhaustion.

More than 650 hectares had been burnt.

It's also believed the wind is picking up in the area. It has also been reported that waterbombers have been used to save a number of properties.

A Western Power spokeswoman said 1000 homes in the fire zone are without power and they will be waiting quite awhile to be reconnected.

DFES says the bushfire is moving fast in a north easterly direction, with burning embers likely to be blown around homes. Spot fires are starting up to 3.5km ahead of the fire.

If anyone in the Parkerville bushfire needs a place for their horses or livestock CLAN Midland Inc have yards and paddocks available in Grass Valley, east of Northam. Anyone who needs help can call 0423 091 289.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited

Mundaring Shire president Helen Dullard told PerthNow she believed about 80 people were at the evacuation centre.

"I don't know how many homes are on fire or to what extent and I don't know how many people have chosen to stay and defend, but what I do know is that this is a very serious fire and the wind is changing and swirling all over the place and making things very difficult," she said.

Ms Dullard said there was bound to be devastated and heartbroken residents as a result of this fire, but noted that firefighters were prepared for this kind of emergency and had extensive back-up from other brigades. She said information was being broadcast on a constant basis, which was a huge help.

Firefighters battle the devastating blaze in Perth Hills. Picture: DFES Source: Supplied

Ms Dullard said people had brought their pets and animals to the centre and were looking for foster carers with the Shire Pound helping as much as possible.

She said they were setting up to have people staying in emergency conditions for days, with Salvation Army volunteers on hand.

"We have got food and accommodation well taken care of, and there will be people staying overnight and not just one night,'' Ms Dullard said.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property Source: News Limited

"But we are still in an emergency stage.

"Some are finding out by friends, and because their friends' houses have gone, then theirs has gone. Some aren't sure.

"They are anxious to get home as soon as they can, but are having to wait and that is very difficult for them.''

The blaze in the hills is the worst in a horror day for WA fire authorities, who battled fires in Wanneroo, Boddington, Denmark, Gosnells, Shark Bay and a major fire in Baldivis.

The fires came after two successive days of 40-degree heat in Perth, and an oppressive heatwave in the northern part of the state all week.

This is the latest devastating blaze in WA in the past several years. In Dec 2009, 38 homes in Toodyay were destroyed by fire, while in February 2011 71 homes were lost in Roleystone and Kelmscott. In November 2011, a fire destroyed some 50 properties in Margaret River.

For updated information people can call DFES on 1300 657 209.

Reports of suspicious behaviour can be made to CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

Where to go:

The Department for Child Protection and Family Support has also set up a temporary evacuation centre at Mundaring Recreation Ground on Mundaring Weir Road.

The recreation centre is now at capacity, people are asked to go to Brown Park in Swan View on the corner of Amherst and Salisbury Roads.

What to do:

If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.

Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.

There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

The Perth Hills fire is continuing to rage, with dozens of firefighters battling the blaze and two evacuation centres set up. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited

If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.

If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it.

If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.

Safest place:

Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.

The Department for Child Protection and Family Support has also set up a temporary evacuation centre at Brown Park in Swan View on the corner of Amherst Road and Salisbury Road.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property Source: News Limited

Road closures:

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

A number of roads have been closed including:

- Stoneville Road from Jarrah Road to Grenville Road

For further details contact Main Roads WA on 138 138 or visit www.mainroads.wa.gov.au

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Rural drugs alarm: hospitals fail audit

Addictive drugs including oxycodone and morphine are at danger of falling into the wrong hands, according to a new health report. Picture: file image Source: Supplied

ADDICTIVE drugs including oxycodone and morphine were in danger of falling into the wrong hands "undetected" because of poor record-keeping in WA's rural health service, an internal review shows.

The Sunday Times can also reveal other drugs were being kept in an unlocked cupboard, some were being poured down the sink and inaccurate notes were kept on patient records.

An internal audit, obtained under Freedom of Information laws, shows that Schedule 4R and Schedule 8 drugs were still being inadequately controlled by the WA Country Health Service two years after a damn¬ing report alleging drug abuse, theft, and misconduct across WA Health.

Opposition health spokesman Roger Cook said it was clear the Health Department was unable to manage hospital medicines properly.

"The Minister has a responsibility to ensure that better security measures are put in place to safeguard these drugs in case the drugs are abused," he said.

A Corruption and Crime Commission review into the handling of drugs by the Health Department was tabled in Parliament in 2010.

The report contained shocking allegations including drug theft, cover-ups and incidences of saline solution being substituted for restricted drugs. A subsequent audit of four WA Country Health Service hospital wards and pharmacies was conducted by the Health Department's internal audit division in 2012.

The audit, obtained by The Sunday Times, identified several "weaknesses" in the storage of S4R (clonazepam, midazolam, tramadol) and S8 (methadone, morphine, oxycodone) drugs by WACHS, and potential noncompliance with poisons regulations.

These drugs are considered to be at "high risk" of unexplained loss or misconduct.

"Audit observed that the S4R drug cupboard in the Bunbury Regional Hospital Pharmacy was left unlocked when not in use and when deliverymen were present even though (WA Health) Operational Directive 215/09 explicitly states secure storage areas must be 'kept locked when not in immediate use'," the report said.

It noted drugs disposed of by "pouring them down a sink" - a potential breach of poisons regulations - and inaccurate recording of drug transfers and usage.

WACHS acting chief executive Melissa Vernon said all the issues in the review had since been addressed.

"We have new policies and protocols to identify report and monitor any discrepancies in storage, handling and dispensing of these medications," Ms Vernon said.

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Teen mental ills double

THE number of teenagers seeking treatment at hospital emergency departments for mental health issues has more than doubled in five years.

Health Department data obtained by The Sunday Times show 4674 such presentations (for 13 to 17-year-olds) in 2012-13 - 2373 more than in 2008-09.

The number of teenagers who spent the night in a specialised mental health hospital bed also increased substantially over the same five-year period, from 410 to 778.

The alarming numbers come after The Sunday Times revealed last week that suicide had overtaken car accidents and illness as the most common cause of unexpected death among WA teenagers.

It also comes as a not-for-profit service providing healthcare to almost 1000 Peel teenagers is facing closure.

WA has just 20 dedicated adolescent psychiatric beds - eight at Princess Margaret Hospital and 12 at the Bentley Adolescent Unit.

Opposition health spokesman Roger Cook said the increase in presentations was "truly alarming".

"These figures show that there has been a 30 per cent increase between 2011-12 and 2012-13 in young people presenting to EDs with a mental health issue," he said.

"At the same time that we are seeing these dramatic increases in children with mental health problems, the Barnett Government is spending $1.2 billion on a new children's hospital that will only provide another eight mental health beds"

But Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said "the mix of increased community capacity, plus the youth-specific places at the new hospitals being built, plus the 20 beds at PMH will meet demand".

"All the evidence we have collated indicates that the solution to increasing presentations to emergency departments is ensuring we have additional child, adolescent and youth specialist services in the community, increased capacity of community-based support organisations - and additional child and adolescent beds and youth specific beds," she said.

Peel Youth Medical Service, which has been providing free consultations for 12 to 25-year-olds, fears closure after GP Down South had its funding cut as a result of the introduction of the Medicare Locals.

The service, which has 938 active patients, 38 per cent suffering mental ill-health, had its suicide prevention strategy funds cut in October last year.

Lifeline 13 11 14, Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800

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