Fire threatens Chidlow homes

UPDATE: 10:55am The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has confirmed a fire that threatened homes and destroyed four sheds in Chidlow overnight was caused by a fallen power pole.

The bushfire started between Old Northam Road, Chauncy Place, Haigh Road and Forsyth Place about 7.50pm when a power pole on private property was knocked over by a strong gust of wind.

More than 70 career and volunteer firefighters from 15 stations and brigades were sent to Chidlow, east of Perth, to battle the out-of-control blaze.

Firefighters are today closely monitoring the blaze.

This morning a department spokesman said initial crews were confronted with a fire that was directly affecting properties.

The guys prevented the loss of any property in the area but unfortunately four outbuildings were lost, so things like sheds, he said.

A fair amount of fencing in the area has also been impacted.

The crews have now brought it under control and they are in mop-up phase at the moment.

At least one property on Thornwick Crescent was damaged by the flames last night.

A number of sheds at the property were engulfed.

Read the original here:
Fire threatens Chidlow homes