A devastating fire swept through the Perth Hills, leading to the destruction of buildings and the closure of major roads such as the Great Eastern Highway. The blaze erupted around 2 p.m. local time (5 p.m. AEDT).

The fire rapidly escalated to an emergency level, affecting regions including Beechina, Chidlow, and Wooroloo.

“We currently have 160 personnel on site with approximately 50 fire appliances from both volunteer and career fire and rescue,” stated District Officer Shaun Champ.

Though the emergency warning in Beechina was downgraded to a ‘watch and act’ status, resulting in the closure of the evacuation center at Mundaring Arena, the situation remained precarious.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant as there was still a potential threat to lives and properties, even as the fire was under control.

Despite the downgrading of the emergency warning, several roads, including the Great Eastern Highway between Great Southern Highway and Old Northam Road, remained closed as of tonight.

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