The MODIS Worldview image (NASA) of south west Western Australia south of Perth identifies a significant bushfire burning out of control. The fire appears to have been started by a lightning strike on Tuesday.
The fire hot spots have been overlaid using (Worldview). A significant smoke plume is visible travelling south west and crossing the coast south of Perth.
This is the blaze that has destroyed some 95 homes at a small town south of Perth called Yarloop and has already scorched an estimated 50,000 hectares. The fire is still not controlled and is expected to be fanned by further hot dry winds during Saturday.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (Western Australia) has issued an emergency for towns in the area including Harmel, Cookemup, Harvey, Myalup, Pamelup Estate and Preston Beach.
With hot dry conditions prevailing, a total fire ban is in force for metropolitan Perth, Lower South Midlands. This area also encompasses the fire affected region. Given the expected weather conditions, this fire is unlikely to be contained any time soon.
CREDIT - NASA (MODIS Worldview) images acquired from MODIS and dated 8/1/2016