Shocked residents returned to survey the wreckage Thursday after Western Australia's worst wildfire in 50 years engulfed 38 homes in an isolated rural community. Emotional householders were given the all-clear to go back to Toodyay, north of Perth, where the inferno raced across thousands of hectares of scrub and farmland destroying buildings, vehicles and cattle. Emergency crews worked through a second night to contain the blaze, and another major conflagration further north, and were felling unstable trees near roadsides to allow residents to return. The devastation evoked painful memories of February's “Black Saturday” fires, which swept through entire communities in the state of Victoria killing 173 and razing more than 2,000 homes. The Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) said Western Australia had not lost so many homes to wildfire in half-a-century, and praised rescuers for saving hundreds more properties and lives. Only four people were hurt in the Toodyay blaze, including three firefighters who were treated for smoke inhalation and dehydration. Hundreds of ground crew fought the flames backed by water-bombing helicopters. “Firefighters worked hard getting the fire contained yesterday in difficult conditions and have done a great job protecting communities and saving hundreds of homes and lives,” FESA said in a statement. The government announced emergency assistance, including a 3,000 dollar ($2,700) grant for clothes and food for people who have lost all their belongings, after a natural disaster was declared. “These fires are an enormous blow to the people whose homes and property have been affected by the fire,” said Gary Gray, parliamentary secretary for Western Australia.
