By Samia O’Keefe
Some victims of the Lake Clifton fire, south of Perth, may have to wait another 24 hours before they can return to what is left of their homes.
The fire burned through about 2,000 hectares of bushland into residential subdivisions in Lake Clifton.
Eight homes and 10 sheds – some of which people were using as dwellings – were lost.
On Wednesday afternoon, authorities, police and psychologists took some of the residents through the area to inspect their properties.
But those in the worst hit areas will have to wait a little longer.
John Tillman from the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) says it will be a difficult experience.
“This will be their first opportunity to assess that damage on the ground,” he said.
“They’ve seen photographs from the air, but to see it on the ground, you can imagine it will be very traumatic.”
The Western Australia Government has announced grants of up to $3,000 for people whose properties were severely affected by the fire, and an additional $150 a day is also available to help with temporary accommodation costs.
Acting Premier Kim Hames says the money will help people get the essentials like food and clothing but he has reminded them about the importance of insuring their homes.
Police believe the fire was deliberately lit.
Arson squad Senior Detective Aaron Capes says all seven fires were ignited on the northbound lane on the Forrest Highway, near Lake Clifton.
“Investigators are calling for any persons who may have been driving along Forrest Highway between 11:30 am and 12:00 pm on Monday to contact Crimestoppers to advise of their whereabouts, the vehicles they may have been driving and any observations they have made,” he said.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact police.
The blaze is expected to have caused damage worth tens of millions of dollars.
Source: www.abc.net.au
