Rain relief is expected after another dangerous night on the frontline of a devastating bushfire in the Perth Hills that has destroyed at least 86 homes.
Hopes are high that forecast weekend rain will help firefighters get on top of the week-long blaze as a tropical low tracks towards the southwest.
But weary firefighters were set to face their toughest challenge with conditions having been forecast to worsen before they get better.
Authorities said on Friday that "incredibly strong" winds were set to hamper efforts to contain the blaze.
"We are expecting incredibly strong winds - stronger than we've had already - tomorrow ahead of that tropical low," Department of Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm told reporters.
"At this time, we're being advised that we will see rain on or about the fire ground at approximately 11am tomorrow. But between now and then, we have still got the challenges of these really strong winds.
Firefighters in Western Australia battle the blaze at Wooroloo, near Perth, Tuesday, 2 February Source: AAP
"There is no letting up here. And, you know, I want to make the point - the rain is not guaranteed either. So, our planning is still continuing, should that rain not occur."
An 'exhausting' week for fatigued firefighters
As the fire entered its fifth day, firefighters were feeling the strain.
Ray Reeves is a volunteer with the West Gidgegannup fire brigade. A local resident in the area, he’s been fighting the fire since it began on Monday.
“I was right in the firing line of the fire. Once it started, we knew it was coming towards us so we started prepping midday on Monday,” he told SBS News.
"We live in the valley up there, so went up and down the valley warning our neighbours that the fire was coming and it was going to be a bad one”.
Mr Reeves said the week has been exhausting, with rugged, hilly terrain being the firefighters' "worst enemy”.
Ray Reeves, a volunteer with the West Gidgegannup fire brigade, has been fighting the fire since it began on Monday. Source: Aaron Fernandes / SBS News
"I had my first full night sleep last night since Monday,” he said.
"I’ve probably had six hours sleep since it started. Not a lot of food because my wife was panicking, so we got her out. I was too busy to eat, so we just kept going.”
Efforts to allow some residents to return home are continuing. Areas east of Toodyay Road were set to open up from 4pm on Friday.
Firefighters have worked overtime to clear damage from seriously affected areas, including fallen powerlines, while also dealing with flare-ups on the northern flank of the bushfire.
Estimates of properties lost in the city's northeast started at 56 on Tuesday morning. By Wednesday the number had grown to 71 before rising again.
"Absolutely devastating outcome for the owners of those homes," Mr Klemm said.
"Our thoughts are absolutely with them. The whole emergency services family, we stand with them and acknowledge the difficulties that they are going through."
Emergency alerts remain in place with people bound by Clenton Road, O'Brien Road and Ewing Road warned there is still uncontained fire activity.
Trees destroyed by bushfire are seen on Dinsdale Road, Gidgegannup in Perth, on 4 February, 2021. Source: AAP
"If you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear by travelling in a direction away from the fire," DFES said.
"You must shelter before the fire arrives as the extreme heat will kill you well before the flames reach you."
Premier Mark McGowan on Friday described the damage as "devastating".
"The people whose homes have been destroyed or severely damaged, we're all thinking of you," he said.
"And the firefighters who've put themselves in danger to protect the community, thank you so much."
Additional reporting by Aaron Fernandes.
