The alert level for a massive bushfire south of Perth has been downgraded from emergency to watch and act after a break-out blaze was contained by firefighters.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The flare-up had threatened lives and homes on Tuesday afternoon, prompting an emergency warning for communities in parts of the shires of Waroona and Murray.
The blaze has razed three homes and five short-stay accommodation units.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said in an alert notice early on Wednesday that the fire was contained but not controlled.
Around 150 firefighters are battling the blaze.
The fire started on Saturday in state forest west of the Nanga township and has burned about 3180 hectares.
Authorities said it was accidentally sparked by campers trying to charge mobile phones with a car battery.
"This is a situation that could have been avoided and I would urge people not to be silly, not to do any tricks over the next few days, Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said on Tuesday.
"One silly mistake can lead to people losing their lives, or indeed their livelihoods ... but certainly eight properties damaged as a result of this silly mistake really is not good."
Australian Associated Press
