The community of Sacred Heart Parish in Mundaring is bracing itself for the effects of a fire that claimed one life and destroyed at least 49 homes on January 12.
Parish priest Fr Dominic Savio told The Record on Monday it was unclear how many parishioners and members of the school community had been affected by the fire.
“There is a possibility that the homes of a number of our school children would be affected, but at the moment, we only know of one [family] because information is very scanty,” he said.
“A group of young parents have actually got together and are coordinating with me whatever help that we can get and give to those who are affected, but at the moment we are pretty sketchy with news.”
Fr Dominic said he could see the fire from the church, but affirmed that it posed no immediate threat to the parish.
“It was probably about two kilometres away, but I could see the flames,” he said.
“At the moment it is not a threat, it seems to be all contained. It’s a cooler day out here, it was sizzling yesterday and the day before, but we are in a better state today. All I know is that our school parents are distressed because we’ve had so many from the school community affected.
“We don’t know whose houses have been destroyed, but we are very, very concerned and I think it will affect the Sacred Heart community in a big way.”
Fr Dominic said a phone call from Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB on Sunday, when the fire was at its worst, was a source of encouragement and joy for the community.
“We were very happy that the Archbishop called to enquire,” he said.
“It’s gone down very well with the community, and I think that has been a big blessing in our little Catholic world out here.”
Fr Dominic said the mothers from the parish’s Young Hearts group were trying to “collate information and figure out a plan of action to help those who are in need, particularly in the short term”.
The group’s concern for fellow members of the local community reflects the parish’s desire to assist those affected by the fire or seeking shelter.
“Parishioners have been fantastic to offer places and accommodation for people, for families, for pets,” Fr Dominic said.
“We’ve opened up our parish grounds… we’re trying to give as much assistance as possible.”
The priest added that he would not be moving from the parish, as it remains a support centre for the community and his own phone has become a help line for those in need.
The blaze, which was still active as The Record went to print, ripped through 650 hectares of land in Stoneville, Parkerville, Hovea and Mt Helena. The church, presbytery and school are all located on Coolgardie Street, a short distance from the fire.
The fire was first reported to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services on Sunday at 11.01am. It is believed the fire may have been started by a private powerline on a semi-rural property in Parkerville.