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A lightning strike has sparked an out-of-control bushfire in Western Australia, prompting an emergency warning and forcing crews to call for back-up.
Firefighters are tackling the new blaze in Pannawonica in the Shire of Ashburton after the blaze started 4.26pm (7.26pm AEDT), with further firefighting resources from Karratha travelling to assist on scene.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issued an emergency warning on Saturday night for people at or near Wandoo Camp at Pannawonica in the Shire of Ashburton.
Residents in the area are advised to monitor the constantly changing situation online, keeping up to date with the latest emergency warnings and advice here.
"You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive," the warning said.
"There is a threat to lives and homes."
Meanwhile DFES has also issued a watch and act alert for people in the Pannawonica townsite in parts of Pannawonica.
"There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing," the warning said.
Residents in parts of the lower west and south west districts have been told to prepare for severe storms throughout the night.
"If you live in parts of Lower West and South West districts you should take action and stay safe with severe weather to come," DFES said.
"Locations which may be affected include Armadale, Harvey, Kalamunda, Midland and Pinjarra."
A watch and act alert remains in place for parts of Jandabup, Melaleuca, Wanneroo and Mariginiup.
Displaced residents confronted on return to homes
Displaced residents in some of the worst-hit areas remained in limbo on Saturday with roadblocks remaining in place in the worst-affected parts of of the City of Wanneroo and City of Swan.
Crews continue to extinguish spot fires and prepare for high temperatures and strong winds on Sunday.
Eighteen families have lost their homes while more than 30 properties in the area have been damaged.
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Many residents are unable to return to their homes as it is still deemed too dangerous to be in the area.
WA Premier Roger Cook saw the destruction first-hand in a tour of the region on Saturday afternoon.
"We urge people to stay out of the area," Cook said.
"It is still unsafe due to fallen trees, powerlines, hot and unsafe ground and other changes."
The government is offering emergency relief payments of $4000 to residents who have lost their homes and $2000 to residents with damaged homes.
Many residents are grateful for the help although some have even more urgent needs than money.
"Mr Roger Cook, give us some water," one man said.
"The guys down here don't have drinking water. We just need a truck with clean water (or) scheme water to fill up our tanks."
Another resident said the last few days have been difficult for the community.
"The main thing we need is for our animals and for ourselves, we desperately need the water," she said.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) superintendent Scott Hares said favourable conditions on Friday allowed crews to strengthen containment lines ahead of hot and windy conditions on Sunday.
"Our focus is to work with the community and central service providers so we can make the area safe," Hares said.
"We still have downed power lines and downed trees in the fire zone.
"We're working with them to make it safe so the residents can return."
About 100 power poles have been damaged by the fires and the community has been warned it could be two weeks before electricity is restored to some areas.
DFES has also issued a storm warning for parts of the lower west and south west districts.
"If you live in parts of lower west and south west districts you need to get ready now for the severe weather coming tonight," the warning said.
"Locations which may be affected include Armadale, Harvey, Kalamunda, Midland and Pinjarra.
"This weather is not unusual for this time of year, but could damage homes and make travel dangerous."
