Bushfires destroy over 55 homes in Australia's Perth

More than 55 homes have been destroyed by bushfires that have swept through neighbourhoods of the western Australian city of Perth.

The most serious blaze in the Roleystone area began around midday on Sunday and is thought to have been sparked by someone using a mechanical grinder.

A second fire started when a tree branch that was blown down by strong winds hit electricity infrastructure, authorities said.

The bushfires are being fanned by strong winds and have already destroyed more than 4,000 acres of forest, according to Sky News.

The fire, which began at 11.42am on Sunday, is being investigated by the arson squad, but is believed to have been ignited by a person using a grinder.

Many residents fled their homes or were told to evacuate. Some slept overnight in their cars parked by an oval on Church Street, others stayed with family or friends and about 150 sheltered at the Armadale Arena.

Two extra Helitacs are due to arrive from Victoria as WA's resources are being stretched across multiple fires, inmycommunity reports.