A devastating fire in Geraldton has claimed at least one home, with authorities suspecting arson as the cause.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services in Western Australia announced today that they are treating the fire as suspicious and will conduct a thorough investigation into its origins.

The situation remains tense as hundreds of other homes are at risk due to the volatile combination of high temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds, which make predicting the fire’s path challenging.

While earlier emergency alerts have been softened, residents in areas like Bluff Point, Spalding, Sunset Beach, and Moresby are still urged to stay vigilant and keep abreast of the situation.

To support those affected, evacuation centers have been set up at the Northampton Recreation Centre and the QEII Seniors and Community Centre.

Authorities have advised residents who evacuated from Waggrakine and Moresby that it remains unsafe to return to their homes at this time.

Fires have been burning in the region since the weekend.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a fire weather warning with extreme fire danger forecast for the Midwest Coast, including Geraldton, the Midwest Inland, Lesueur, Yarra Yarra and Swan Inland North.

The Bureau warns today will be hot to very hot and dry with fresh and gusty north to northeast winds during the morning ahead of a cooler southwesterly sea breeze extending throughout in the afternoon and evening.