Perth bushfires: At least 10 homes lost as massive blazes see emergency warnings issued in six suburbs in city’s north

A major bushfire in Perth’s north, which is believed to have destroyed homes, continues to challenge firefighters, with an emergency warning in place for six suburbs.

Residents of Perth’s northern suburbs have been forced to flee an out-of-control bushfire that is believed to have destroyed 10 homes, amid scorching heatwaves.

Western Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Rita Saffioti confirmed at a press conference on Thursday that “significant” damage has now been caused by the fire, which has now destroyed 1,663 hectares.

“I can confirm that 10 houses have been lost at this stage, along with four sheds and numerous vehicles, including caravans,” Ms Saffioti said.

‘There has also been damage to a range of infrastructure including electricity poles, but as this is a genuine emergency it will take some time to confirm the extent of the damage and the forecast for today is brutal.’

Residents of Kwinana are using hoses in an attempt to extinguish a forest fire that is threatening homes

Residents are being evacuated as bushfires approach some Perth suburbs

More than 100 firefighters are battling the massive blaze that forced hundreds of local families to evacuate their properties overnight as embers rained down on their homes.

Videos and photos posted online appear to show gutted homes and barns with twisted and bent tin roofs surrounded by blackened yards.

Another registered firefighter battled fires near homes in gusts of wind and intense smoke that pushed the blaze into suburban streets.

An emergency warning remains in force for Wanneroo, Jandabup, Mariginiup, Melaleuca, Sinagra, Banksia Grove and Tapping, about 30km north of the city centre.

Some residents have been told it is too late to leave their homes and they should immediately seek shelter away from the fire front moving southwest.

“You are in danger and must act immediately to survive,” the fire brigade said on Thursday.

“There is a threat to lives and homes.”

A helicopter is seen dumping water on a bushfire near Perth as the city battles scorching heatwaves

Chief Inspector Metropolitan David Gill said firefighters were working to strengthen containment lines around the fire

“Under these conditions, these fires can spread so quickly,” he told ABC News.

He said the fire had “cleared” as it reached urban areas and spread along the flanks to the north and south.

“We expect strong winds again today in difficult conditions with high temperatures,” he said.

Western Australia is currently in the grip of a severe heatwave, with temperatures in Perth expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius on Thursday, with winds gusting up to 80 km/h.

More than 1,000 properties in the bushfire zone are without power, with reports of power poles, lines and other infrastructure damaged.

Several evacuation centers have also been set up for residents and animals evacuated from the fire zone.

Local resident Bruno Rikli helped evacuate an elderly couple from their home overnight when the fire front crept into a few blocks from their property.

“There was a huge plume of smoke in the night sky and a ball of red embers glowing red,” he told AAP.

“Roads were blocked, but we got them out.”

Mr Rikli said the couple’s home survived the night without damage, but winds began to pick up on Thursday morning, dropping ash on houses several kilometers west of the fire.

“You can smell the smoke and it’s hazy, but the fire department is doing a great job,” he said.

The fire was reported around 1 p.m. on Wednesday and 15 square kilometers of forest and grassland have been burned.