Parkerville bushfire: Premier reveals devastating extent of the property damage

Premier Roger Cook has confirmed that three homes have been destroyed in the horrific Parkerville blaze.

Mr Cook said the hearts of the WA community went out the the families affected by the devastating Perth Hills blaze — which started after a “hollow” tree fell on a powerline on Thursday.

“Can I just acknowledge those West Australians who have lost homes, possessions, animals, in this horrible fire,” he said in Parkerville on Friday.

“This is heartbreaking news especially so close to Christmas and watching those flames engulf those homes is absolutely heartbreaking and distressing.

“On behalf of the people of Western Australia, I want you to know, our hearts are with you.

“Right around the State, we are thinking of you today and your loss.”

Conditions have eased on Friday — with the blaze now contained and controlled after severe winds eased.

Damage assessments are currently underway in Parkerville after “early reports indicate that three residential properties and multiple sheds and outbuildings have been damaged or destroyed”.

Animals and livestock including sheep, chickens and kangaroos tragically perished in the blaze. No lives were lost, although two residents were treated by paramedics for burns.

Several roadblocks remain in place for Parkerville residents as around 25 firefighters remain at the scene.

The fire has since been downgraded to a bushfire watch and act alert after it tore through the area.

An evacuation centre in Swan View has since closed as residents impacted liaise with the Government for support.

The Premier said people from two destroyed properties are working with the State Government to obtain important documentation — including identification — after it perished in the blaze.

He further added people who lost homes or had property damaged would likely be provided monetary support on a case-by-case basis.

After a fallen tree that landed on powerlines sparked the fire, Mr Cook said moving them underground would be of “greater benefit” to Parkerville residents.

“We obviously take the opportunity to underground power lines in communities are in a targeted way whenever we can,” he said.

Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson added that the blaze was an “important” reminder for residents to take care of their properties in bushfire-prone areas.

“In the case of the tree that fell on the powerlines my understanding that was on private property, so it’s really important all of us in the community to look after our land,” he said.

Authorities are bracing for an “extremely dangerous fire season” in the wake of the Parkerville blaze – as hot temperatures are expected over the Christmas and Boxing day period.

“We are still not out of the woods yet, there is very challenging weather conditions ahead of us likely on Boxing Day so we urge Western Australians to be cautious and again, have a (bushfire) plan in place,” Mr Dawson said.

“We now have two large air tankers in Western Australia one from the Albanese government and of course our own one and they are being put to good use.”

DFES commissioner Darren Klemm told media that additional fire crews from interstate have not been requested ahead of the holiday period as he thanked firefighters for their efforts.

“Our full focus now turns to getting people back either into their homes, or having the opportunity to go back and see some of the damage that’s occurred,” Mr Klemm said.

“There is a level of fatigue there, obviously days like today really provide us with the opportunity to give people a bit of a break.

“We’ll reduce the response resource size down a little bit today and maybe into a piece of tomorrow.”