Homes, buildings destroyed as bushfires tear through WA

Bushfires triggered by a lightning strike and severe weather are causing devastation across the south of Western Australia, destroying several homes.

Yesterday, lightning hit the community of Hopetoun, approximately six hours' drive south-west of Perth.

Two homes have been lost and three buildings destroyed in the coastal town.

The Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said the initial lightning strike caused a trail of destruction in the state's south.

"The lightning was responsible for widespread ignitions and by the early evening, emergency services were responding to a significant number of bushfires across the region," a statement said.

"High temperatures and strong winds caused the bushfires to spread quickly across the landscape, threatening communities and forcing people to evacuate."

Two hours west in Jerramungup, another home and a water pumping station have been wiped out, cutting off the town's water supply.

DFES said Water Corporation is currently working to restore water to the town.

Commissioner Darren Klemm said extreme and unpredictable weather conditions exacerbated the fires, which quickly impacted Hopetoun, Newdegate, Jerramungup and Bremer Bay.

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"The conditions in the Great Southern last night were incredibly severe – the winds were so strong that they actually tore rooves off homes near the fire ground," he said.

"A sudden wind change also changed the direction of the bushfires and firefighters had to move extremely quickly to prevent the fires from reaching more homes.

"The focus is on helping these communities get back on their feet."

DFES has issued a 'watch and act' warning for residents in Crystal Park and Hopetoun's west.

"There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing," the statement read.

Residents in these areas have been advised to evacuate their homes, provided roads are clear or make safety preparations.

"If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear," DFES said.

"If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now."

DFES has advised there will be a community meeting held at the Bremer Bay Community Resource Centre at 2pm local time.

In the eastern part of Hopetoun, residents are still warned to be wary of excessive smoke.

DFES warned that while there was no immediate threat in areas not directly impacted by the fire, conditions could soon change.

"There is a lot of smoke in the area," DFES said.