A fierce fire has damaged property in Perth’s north-east and left residents shaken.
An emergency fire level was declared just before 3pm (6pm AEDT) today as it headed directly towards rows of homes in Ellenbrook, forcing residents to flee as others used garden hoses to try and keep the flames at bay.
This evening, that warning was downgraded to advice and residents told to return with caution, but not before it threatened lives and homes, with at least six properties suffering some minor damage.
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The fast-moving and intense wall of flames reached within metres of homes as the blaze took hold this afternoon.
A plume of thick black smoke could be seen from the air and billowing high above rooftops.
Roads were gridlocked as residents desperate to get away packed up their cars.
The Tonkin Highway was temporarily shut but opened again by tonight.
Most of the fire was put out within an hour as crews in the air and on the ground worked together.
The speed of the fire, which came dangerously close to homes, left residents frightened.
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“It’s crazy. It’s literally, absolutely crazy, because it shows you how fast anything of a fire can go,” Troy Harding said.
Fire authorities said the blaze burned three hectares and caused damage to six to eight properties, including destroying fences and a backyard gazebo.
No homes were destroyed.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
