Confirmation of 55 homes lost in WA fire PERTH Hills residents have begun to return to inspect their properties as authorities confirm 55 homes have been destroyed by the bushfire. Residential dwellings destroyed by Sunday's blaze, which was caused by a power pole on a private property, include 53 houses and two sheds. Emergency funding of $3000 for those who lost their homes was distributed on Wednesday. Mundaring shire president Helen Dullard accompanied some families who lost their homes as they visited the wreckage on Tuesday, and was stunned at the ferocity of the flames. "When they went in to their houses they could not believe they were looking at their walls, and the fire had gobbled up everything," Ms Dullard told ABC radio. Firefighters are continuing to mop-up in Stoneville, Parkerville and Mt Helena, with more than $13 million in damage already reported by insurers. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said some areas in the "hot zone" were being opened to permit holders only, including areas north of Grenville Road, west of Stoneville Road and south of Riley Road. "This zone may still be hazardous due to damaged infrastructure, downed powerlines and the risk of falling tree limbs," DFES said. Areas in the "warm zone" are also open to permit holders. "Residents in this area need to be aware electricity and water in this zone may not be restored for some time," DFES said. Western Power has begun rebuilding the electricity network and says more than 450 properties remain without power. About 140 poles and six kilometres of powerlines were damaged or destroyed by the fire. Western Power crews aim to replace up to 60 poles on Wednesday. A watch and act alert remains for the area and DFES said the alert level would remain until safety assessments had been completed. More than $100,000 has been donated by the public to the Lord's Mayor's Distress Relief Fund in a little more than 24 hours.