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A wildfire which had towered up to 18 metres (60 feet) high and threatened lives and property in Western Australia was Tuesday under control but could flare again in the hot weather, officials said.
The state's Fire and Emergency Services Authority downgraded its warning for residents of Eneabba, a farming town north of Perth, after firefighters worked through the night.
"The bushfire is under control, however hot and windy weather conditions are expected later in the day and this could increase fire activity," the authority said in a statement. "People in the area need to remain vigilant."
Scorching temperatures saw fires break out near Eneabba and Northampton in the state's central west Monday, while another hit on the outskirts of Perth, threatening several homes before it was contained.
The Eneabba blaze, which had come close to homes and properties as it raged out of control, had burned through 31,000 hectares (76,500 acres) and caused the evacuation of coastal fishing shacks and camping grounds.
Western Australia, a giant state four times the size of Texas, has just sweltered through its hottest southern hemisphere summer with temperatures averaging nearly 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit).
