Four people unaccounted for in bushfire

Four people are unaccounted for and 46 homes have been destroyed by a bushfire in the Perth hills. Source: AAP

FEARS are held for four people who remain unaccounted for in the Perth hills bushfire which have already claimed one life and destroyed 46 homes.

Fire Commissioner Wayne Gregson fears the missing people could be in the fire zone.

"It could well be that some individuals have been victims of the fire," he said.

A 62-year-old man in nearby Hovea collapsed on the roof of his house and died on Sunday afternoon.

The blaze, which tore through 650 hectares in the Shire of Mundaring on Sunday, was contained on Monday afternoon but firefighters were still battling to control it.

A watch and act alert remains in place for the eastern part of Parkerville, Stoneville and Mount Helena.

Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis believes a power pole on private property caused the fire.

About 500 people gathered for a community meeting in Swan View on Monday, including Premier Colin Barnett, and were told there were 13 roadblocks and they would probably not be able to return home until Wednesday.

And around 100 people were housed in two emergency welfare centres in Swan View and Mundaring on Monday night, while the fate of livestock and pets is unknown but residents are bracing for the worst.

Some firefighters have been treated for heat exhaustion and bee stings.

Mr Francis said the "catastrophic" fire was something West Australians always thought might happen and prayed would not, but he said it could have been a lot worse.

"Modelling shows that had the resources not been available at the time ... it could have been 450 houses," he said.

"We pray this is the last fire we see like this, but there are no guarantees.

"We deal with the lottery dealt out by Mother Nature."

The state government announced it would donate $1 million to the Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund to help victims.

Acting Premier Kim Hames said the state government would also provide $3000 to those whose homes had been destroyed and $1000 for damaged houses.

Western Power says about 1000 properties are without power in Parkerville and Mundaring and 150 poles are down.

"Rebuilding of the network is expected to take three to four days but reconnection to individual homes will take longer as some property owners will need qualified electricians to check their household powerline is safe before the power is turned back on," a spokeswoman said.

The Red Cross State Inquiry Centre is operational and people seeking information on family members can call 1800 015 337.

Mundaring Shire president Helen Dullard said knowing so many homes had been lost increased the devastation tremendously, and many residents were relieved to escape the flames.

"Visually, it was a very ugly fire. It was scary," she told AAP.

Ms Dullard said the local council would manage relief funds.

Insurers have declared the fire a catastrophic event.

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