Wooroloo and Albany bushfires downgraded after destroying property and razing thousands of hectares

Arson squad investigators are calling for the public’s help as they probe whether a bushfire that destroyed a huge property east of Perth was deliberately lit.

The massive blaze, which ignited at the intersection of Great Eastern Highway and Carter Road in The Lakes on New Year’s Day, burnt 800ha before favourable weather conditions overnight assisted firefighters to contain and control the fire.

On Friday — after the bushfire was downgraded to an advice level — the arson squad asked the public for any copies of dash-cam footage from vehicles travelling on Great Eastern Highway, near Acacia Prison, between 2pm and 2.30pm on January 1.

“The cause of the fire has been deemed undetermined and Strike Force Vulcan officers, wish to speak to anyone who saw any activity, persons, or vehicles in the vicinity of the fire,” a police spokeswoman said.

A sprawling property was reduced to ash and rubble by the bushfire — which also destroyed sheds, greenhouses and machinery.

The fire, which was travelling at 6km/h after it ignited, is the third to break out in the area in a matter of weeks.

People in the areas bounded by Great Eastern Highway, Chinganning Road, Woottating Road, and Carter Road were urged to stay alert on Friday afternoon.

Authorities on Thursday confirmed that a property in The Lakes had been completely destroyed. The home was unoccupied at the time and the owners were overseas.

The fire came just metres from another home near Chinganning Road with the paddock on the property now turned to ash.

Five “non-residential buildings”, which include sheds, greenhouses, as well as machinery, were also destroyed. But 24 other properties in the area were assessed as having only minor, or no damage.

“This has been a huge effort for all concerned,” Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said at a press conference on Thursday.

“What is concerning is the cause of the fire is undetermined. This is the third fire in this area in recent weeks, and our fire investigation officers will be working with other authorities to establish the cause.

“As I’ve said before, and I’ll say again, please don’t be an idiot. Don’t light fires for a cheap thrill. And don’t unnecessarily put lives, or indeed property, at risk.”

Footage or dash-cam can be uploaded directly to police via this link and any other information can be supplied to crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Almost 130 homes and businesses remain without power after the bushfire brought down power lines. Areas impacted include Copley, Beechina, Woottating, The Lakes, Wundowie and Wooroloo.

Wariin, Horton, and Carter Road remain closed with motorists urged to avoid the area.

The blaze was among 62 “active incidents” the Department of Fire and Emergency Services were managing on Thursday afternoon.

They included a bushfire north-east of Albany, which prompted an emergency warning in Green Range near South Coast Highway.

The fire was also downgraded to an advice level in the early hours of Friday morning after firefighters brought the blaze under control.

The blaze burnt through 1350ha after it was believed to have been started by a lightning strike in a blue gum plantation.

Rewards of up to $25,000 are available for anyone who provides information that leads to the identification and conviction of an arsonist.

Information provided to police can be given anonymously if requested.