Firefighters battled through the night defending homes in what was a treacherous 24 hours for communities in Western Australia.
The bushfires ripped through the south-western part of the state, damaging properties in the Denmark, Bridgetown and Shackleton areas.
Police are investigating the cause of the Bridgetown bushfire that started around lunchtime Saturday with detectives from the specialist arson squad Strike Force Vulcan sent to the region.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services commissioner Darren Klemm said the bushfires were classed as an emergency and had not been contained.
“I can say that 80 per cent of the fire is tracked, however the north-east corner still presents problems as we’re dealing with changing weather and a westerly influence in the wind,” he said.
A local resident is in hospital in a serious condition after he was burned on Saturday afternoon.
Bridgetown Hospital was evacuated on Saturday night while more than 200 people showed up at the evacuation centre.
At least five structures including a home have been lost or damaged in the blaze.
The Bridgetown fire has burned through approximately 2359 hectares, while the Denmark fire has burned around 2160 hectares.
The Denmark fire was reported on Friday morning, prompting emergency fire warnings for people to act immediately.
Authorities are urging residents to leave and stay up to date with emergxjmtzywency fire warnings.
