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South West fire: NSW fire fighters to help tomorrow

Vanessa SchmittMandurah Coastal Times

A BUSHFIRE Emergency Warning remains for East of Waroona, Hamel, Cookernup, Yarloop, Harvey and surrounding areas in the Shires of Harvey and Waroona.

Police are directing people in Harvey to evacuate.

The extent of the fire this afternoon was it had burnt about 70,000ha and the fire perimeter is in excess of 222km.

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There were 121 houses and several other structures lost in the Yarloop townsite.

Counselling has been offered to those struggling with the losses and upheaval.

Firefighters are continuing to make all efforts to contain the fires under difficult and trying conditions. They are continuing to build containment lines around the fire and control flare ups.

There are over 250 firefighters and support staff responding to the fire. Fire crews are coming from New South Wales and are expected tomorrow.

Coolup and Lake Clifton residents can return to their homes.

Police said there were no reports of looters to police.

About 3000 households were without power and Western Power cannot gain access to assess the damage to the network. A generator is providing power in Waroona.

Incident Controller Greg Mair said it would take fire fighters weeks to mop-up from the blaze.