Wanneroo fire under control, as conditions ease for firefighters battling blaze in Perth’s northern suburbs

The Wanneroo bushfire, which claimed 18 homes as Perth grappled with heatwave conditions, has been contained and controlled — with DFES downgrading the fire.

After battling the fire, which burned through 1870 hectares in Perth’s north-eastern suburbs, for almost five days, firefighters managed to get it under control on Sunday.

The fire came as Perth was hit with a “perfect storm” for fire conditions, including a run of several days over 38C, and strong easterly winds that pushed the fires right up to suburbs such as Tapping, Banksia Grove and Ashby.

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DFES spokesman Clint Kuchel said on Sunday that there had been no change overnight in the fire size, or the estimates of 18 homes destroyed.

“Throughout the night and into today, firefighters have been dealing with minor hotspots here and there, conducting patrols and responding to triple zero calls and they’ve been managed to deal with those,” he said.

“I’m pleased to say now that the fire is contained and controlled.”

About 130 firefighters will remain to keep the fire under control.

Mr Kuchel said 280 homes were saved through firefighting efforts.

“While there were a number of losses to homes and sheds, which impact lives and livelihoods, within the emergency warning area that was created from the initial fire,” he said.

“I can report that there were 280 homes saved through the work of firefighters, those volunteers and career, working with each other to make sure that those properties and those homes were safe.”

All roads have now been reopened, however, there may be some local road closures to assist in essential services restoration and to manage hazards through the impacted area. Da Vinci Park is expected to remain closed for some time.

Residents returning to their homes have been warned to be wary of any hazards that could be still on the roads or on their properties.

An estimated 150 homes are still without power with Western Power restoring electricity to 300 homes since the blaze broke out on Wednesday.

The cause of the fire is still unknown with DFES, police and the arson squad investigating.