Footage captured by a New Zealander in Western Australia has captured the terrifying scenes of a bushfire ripping through surrounding land in the dark.
Firefighters in Perth have been battling gusty winds and high temperatures to try and contain the blaze that began on Monday and is still burning. Australian broadcaster 9 News is reporting that more than 70 homes have been destroyed.
The blaze came amid Perth being locked down for five days on Sunday after a coronavirus infection was detected in the community.
Video of the fire, supplied to Newshub, captured the flames that have ripped through more than 17,000 acres spreading across the vast land.
Kiwi Jo Anderson says her property is charred but her husband was able to save their house despite it being inundated by flames.
"There isn't a spot that isn't burned," she told Newshub.
"It's completely black and just scorched.
"It came straight up our block - and we couldn't have been more centrally located to where the fire was ripping through."
"Thankfully, Greg [husband] defended our house fantastically."
WA Premier Mark McGowan said the past 24 hours had been devastating.
"My deepest sympathies, and those of all Western Australians, are with those who have lost their homes and properties to the blaze, and those who are still waiting for news."
WA's Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said on Tuesday night firefighters had been working in extreme terrain and conditions.
"Erratic fire behaviour fanned by strong winds continues to challenge crews on the frontline who are protecting what they can and putting containment lines in place," the DFES said on Twitter.
More than 200 firefighters were battling the flames, while officials warned climate conditions were unlikely to bring quick relief.
Australia is still recovering from last season's record infernos, blamed largely on global warming. It has experienced nine of its 10 hottest years on record since 2005, prompting authorities to warn that fire risks will continue to grow.
Reuters / Newshub.
