Premier Roger Cook says a house has been lost as bushfires rage across the state.
A bushfire rages near homes in Geraldton.
There are three active bushfires in the Shires of Toodyay, Chittering and in Geraldton.
Cook said while Toodyay and Chittering are actively being fought, the Geraldton fire had “escalated” overnight and had caused significant damage.
“We have crews both on the ground and in the air, fighting … under conditions which have deteriorated significantly with high winds, very high temperatures,” he said.
“We understand that there’s been a loss of one home, but we’re still awaiting further advice from [emergency services] about any other property damage.”
Fire crews battling the blaze described the conditions as harrowing.
Three primary schools have been closed as the fires continue to burn, and more than 600 houses have been left without power.
“Obviously, the situation is very live, and it’s very dangerous, and we thank once again, all the members of our volunteer and career firefighting teams,” Cook said.
The blaze is burning close to homes.
Residents have been warned to evacuate in Moresby and Glenfield, Sunset Beach, and in parts of Spalding and Bluff Point.
In Waggrakine and Moresby have also been warned to not attempt to return to their properties as firefighters continue to work.
About 16 roads have been closed as a precaution, and two evacuation centres have been opened at the QEII Seniors and Community Centre, and at the Northampton Recreation Centre.
“It’s the first day of summer, and not surprisingly, and I think we all need to be aware of this. It is going to be a hot summer, and we must all be very careful,” Cook said.
Emergency services are set to reveal the full extent of the damage and firefighting efforts later on Monday.
It comes after the Toodyay fire caused structural damage to one property – including nine small sheds, a car, a water tank and a shed that was being used as a residence.
One person was also treated for smoke inhalation.
A full list of warnings are available on the emergency services website, and a total fire ban is in place for a number of parts of the state.
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