A bushfire has destroyed a property, damaged three others, and injured residents in WA's south-west.
The blaze in the Donnybrook-Balingup and Dardanup shires, which has been burning since Tuesday, was upgraded to an emergency level on Saturday afternoon, but has since been downgraded to a watch and act.
"They had a break-out yesterday afternoon under the influence of some pretty strong south-easterly winds," Department of Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm said.
“There’s been one house lost yesterday afternoon, as well as three others damaged, and there are a couple of members of the community with minor burns to their hands.
"I understand the people had elected to stay and defend and through the course of those activities they've received some burns."
Residents describe 'terrifying' experience
Melanie O’Farrell's hay paddocks, fencing and farming equipment were destroyed on her 50-acre property in Glen Mervyn on Saturday.
“I kid you not, you're talking about 20 minutes from the moment it started in the corner of our property, to going up the hill across the road,” she said.
“I've never seen anything like it. It was terrifying.”
Ms O’Farrell said emergency services had come and gone, but the help on the ground was scarce.
"We have pretty much been fighting this thing alone since Tuesday night," she said.
"My neighbour next door, she’s the most kind-hearted, lovely lady and I've never seen her this angry.
"Not only is her partner injured, her beloved little chickens are gone and she's just standing there with hands on her head going 'what do I do?'
“It's like the apocalypse, both sides of the road are still burning, trees are on fire … and everywhere you look is just black.”
Threat to lives and homes remains
Authorities say although the fire has been downgraded to a watch and act, a possible threat to lives and homes remains.
The warning is in place for people south of a line running from the Best and Austin Road intersection west to Ferguson Road and bounded by Collie-Preston Road and Donnybrook-Boyup Brook Road to the east, a line west from Noggerup Hall to Morrisey Road, and Ferguson Road to the west in parts of parts of Glen Mervyn, Mumballup, Noggerup, Thomson Brook, Yabberup, Beelerup, Lowden, Queenwood, Wellington Forest, Wellington Mill in the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup and Shire of Dardanup.
Residents who are not prepared to defend their homes or are planning to leave, should leave now if the way is clear.
Residents who are well prepared and plan to actively defend their home should make final preparations now.
The blaze was sparked by lightning on Tuesday morning and has so far burnt through almost 6,000 hectares.
It is stationary and contained but not controlled.
An evacuation centre has been set up at Donnybrook Recreation Centre.
More than 100 firefighters are strengthening containment lines and mopping up with aerial support on stand-by.
Visit Emergency WA, call DFES on 133 337, follow DFES on Twitter or listen to ABC Local Radio to stay up to date.
