A fire near the Western Australian town of Toodyay, 85km north of Perth, has burned 3,000 hectares (7,400 acres) and about 40 homes. The fire is contained but is not controlled.
Western Australia electricity provider Western Power has conceded its power line may have started the fire. In a display of accountability and candor that would be unusual when a southern California electricity provider such as San Diego Gas and Electric starts a fire, a spokesman for the company said:
If it’s determined that it’s caused by our negligence we will be paying compensation as appropriately determined as we always do.
However, investigators from the Fire and Emergency Services Authority said that while the fire started near power lines, it is too soon to say exactly what the cause of the fire was.
Another fire near Badgingarra, 300km north of Perth, forced residents from their homes as it burned through 5,000 hectares (12,300 acres) of bushland.
For the last several days the fire danger rating has been at “catastrophic” for some areas in Western Australia, which is the highest level.
HERE is a link to another video report about the fires, featuring news “presenters” with charming Australian accents.
(VIDEOS NO LONGER AVAILABLE)
