New emergency assistance for WA bushfire victims as number of homes lost rises to 81
Residents whose homes have been destroyed or damaged in the Wooroloo fire will be offered up to $4000 in additional assistance from the Western Australian Government.
It comes as Premier Mark McGowan confirmed that the total number of homes destroyed by the blaze now stands at 81.
Speaking at his daily bushfire and coronavirus update, Mr McGowan announced emergency funding of $4000 would be offered to families whose homes have been destroyed by the fires.
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WA Premier Mark McGowan has announced additional emergency assistance for those who have lost homes in the Perth Hills blaze. Nine
Those whose homes have been damaged will be eligible for $2000.
"This is additional assistance over and above the Commonwealth Government's emergency relief arrangements," Mr McGowan said.
"We'll provide further information on how people can access these payments as soon as possible."
The WA Government has also donated a further $2 million to the Perth Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund.
Flames surround a property under construction off Copley Road in Upper Swan in Perth on Tuesday. Getty
Mr McGowan sent his support to those who had lost homes, saying he spoke to several yesterday, all of them "very courageous".
"The devastation caused by these bushfires is almost too much to comprehend. Many West Australians are hurting right now," the premier said.
"We're all thinking of those who've lost their homes, in some cases their livelihoods, or had serious damage to their property - it's devastating."
IN PICTURES: Ferocious blaze tears through Perth Hills
The out-of-control bushfire burning north-east of Perth has now destroyed 81 homes, Premier Mark McGowan has confirmed. DFES
While no one is believed to have been seriously injured or killed by the ferocious blaze, Mr McGowan said the situation remained "highly unpredictable" as he urged Perth residents to heed emergency warnings.
More than 500 firefighters continue to battle the blaze today, with wind gusts of up to 70km/h expected to pose more perilous conditions, creating the risk of spotfires ahead of the main firefront.
A disaster response hotline has been set up to support those affected by the fire. Residents seeking information about potential welfare assistance can call 1800 032 965.
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