Perth fire warnings downgraded as victims make return to properties to assess damage after 18 homes lost

Firefighters have made substantial progress on a bushfire in Perth, with 95 per cent of the blaze now contained but the danger isn't over yet.

Warnings have been downgraded for the fire, which has destroyed 18 homes, burnt through more than 1820 hectares in the City of Wanneroo and City of Swan and claimed more than 30 sheds.

Strong easterly winds and scorching temperatures are expected to return on Saturday as fire crews work on the grounds for a fourth day.

Residents in the area are advised to monitor the constantly changing situation online, keeping up to date with the latest emergency warnings and advice here.

Fire-affected homeowners are starting to return to their properties to assess the damage.

Mariginiup copped the brunt of the fire after the blaze tore through the suburb on Wednesday night.

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook, who flew home early from a five-day trade trip in China, said his thoughts are with the community.

"Homeowners who have been affected are still being notified," Premier Roger Cook said this afternoon.

"Today is obviously a really tough and raw day for them.

"Our thoughts go out to these people and their families."

Police have started to patrol fire-affected areas this afternoon after residents raised concerns about looting in the area.

About 100 power poles have been damaged by the fires and the community has been warned it could be two weeks before electricity is restored to some areas.

'Extremely dangerous and challenging conditions'

Premier Cook thanked firefighters for their "extraordinary sacrifice to save lives and property" after arriving back this afternoon.

"These sacrifices have been made in the face of extremely dangerous and challenging conditions," Cook said.

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"People are exhausted, people are emotional, that is understandable but that hasn't stopped them at all.

"It is extraordinary that despite the unforgiving conditions that have fuelled this bushfire emergency there has been no loss of human life.

"That is a staggering achievement, one which as premier I'm very grateful for."

Cook also thanked the more than 1000 volunteers who have assisted in the past three days.

"The effort on the ground from these people has been exceptional," he said.

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About 30 people stayed at the Quinns Rocks Evacuation Centre overnight, while dozens of residents have taken refuge at the Centre for National Resilience, which was built during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An animal shelter remains open at the Wanneroo Showgrounds.

The Department of Education closed East Wanneroo Primary School and Wanneroo Secondary College, with parents advised "no one will be allowed on site as it will not be safe".

'So fierce and fast-moving'

Nikki Woods from Gingin Volunteer Fire and Rescue described the fire last night as "so fierce and fast-moving".

"It was like fire clouds throwing millions of embers kilometres in front of the fire," she said.

"I've not seen anything like it before."

Volunteering WA said it was taking registrations for people to assist fire-affected communities.

It needs volunteers to help with donation sorting, supply delivery and drop off, and welfare support.

DFES said agency members have already been overwhelmed with donation offers for evacuation centres.

"The evacuees, both people and animals, are being provided with everything they need in the short term such as food, clothes and toys," DFES said yesterday.

"We are asking you to please hold onto your donations at this time."