DFES officials are counting the cost of the Waroona blaze, with specialist teams travelling through the fire ground on Sunday to tally up lost homes.
With two outbuildings already confirmed lost, incident controller Sven Andersen said the fire, which had burned through 1800 hectares by Sunday afternoon, was unlikely to be brought under control tonight.
More than 150 firefighters, six water bombers and four helitanks were tackling the fire, which started on Saturday in an area of state forest west of Nanga Townsite.
On Sunday, an emergency warning was still in place for people bounded by Pinjarra Williams Road to the north, Scarp Road and Farley Road to the east, Tallathalla Road to the south and South Western Highway to the west, including Meelon townsite and Marrarup Nature Reserve and for people west of Nanga Road in southern parts of Lane Poole Reserve, west of the Nanga Townsite.
Mr Andersen said a combination of conditions and difficult terrain meant the fire was still moving uncontained in a northwesterly direction.
“It’s hilly, rocky country. If it does come down to the flatter, grassy area it will be easier but the fire will run faster,” he said.
Asked about the prevalence of emergency bushfires this late in the season, Mr Andersen said dry conditions had contributed to the escalating blazes.
“It’s a sign of times I think.
“It’s very dry conditions. So I urge people to be very careful when they’re out and about that this is not your normal autumn.
“We don’t need people out there making life tough for everybody and concerning the community
The fire is now being investigated by the arson squad, the third in a week, with the blaze being treated as suspicious.
Strike Force Vulcan officers urge anyone with any information relating to this fire, or who saw any suspicious persons, vehicles or activity in the area, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
This week, police have also started investigations into bushfires in Bedfordale and Maddington.