An enormous fire burning mostly in West Australia’s Darling Range engulfed the town Yaloop destroying the homes of its 500 residents. It’s threatening two larger nearby towns Waroona to it’s north, and Harvey to its south.
South West town Yarloop 'burnt to a cinder' by raging bushfire
Tonight an emergency warning remains in place for Waroona, Harvey and surrounding areas, including Preston Beach, Lake Clifton and Myalup.
The full extent of the losses in Yaloop, which are likely to run into the tens of millions of dollars, are yet to be assessed but the buildings damaged include the hotel, post office and town hall.
Residents who remained in the town last night to defend their properties from the firestorm were due to be evacuated to Pinjarra early this afternoon.
About 100 people will be in the convoy of 30 vehicles which will be protected by fire trucks throughout the journey.