At least 44 homes confirmed lost in devastating Perth Hills blaze Bushfires raged across Perth, claiming one life and destroying at least 27 homes. FORTY-FOUR homes have now been confirmed lost as the toll from the Perth Hills inferno continues to mount. And that number is expected to rise although the blaze has now been contained and firefighters expect to have it under control by mid-afternoon as cooler weather aids their battle against the flames. Residents who have lost their homes will be given more information at a community meeting at 10am. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services at 8.40am this morning confirmed 44 homes were lost, up from the count of 27 overnight. "Unfortunately there's some further bad news," a DFES fire controller said. ``We're able to confirm 44 properties have been destroyed by the fire, premeditatedly through the Stoneville and Helena Valley area. Yes, those homes are totally destroyed. A house on Narla Retreat is lost to the flames. DFES says the fire has been ``contained, not completely controlled. ``There are few hotspots to the flank of the fire. We expect it to be under control by mid-afternoon. The weather is now on our side," the spokesman said. One firefighter is being treated for a knee injury and DFES said their personnel had suffered ``no significant injuries," despite working long shifts through the night and battling exhaustion to continue their efforts to contain the blaze. The fire, which claimed the life of a 62-year-old man, has burnt more than 650ha. More than 350 personnel from various departments have been involved in trying to fight the flames, some of which were up to 20m high. A house on Ayres Road is lost to the flames. The cause PerthNow understands the cause of the blaze is expected to be announced by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services later today. Investigators are believed to have pinpointed the ignition point of the fire late yesterday to a private property in the Perth hills. There are a number of semi-rural properties within the area that have constructed privately owned powerlines and poles. Energy Safety warns residents that the responsibility for maintenance of those lines rests with the property owner. "If overhead power lines aren't inspected and maintained, they can clash or be brought down by strong winds, falling trees and branches, creating a serious safety and bushfire risk," it warns on its website. Just as network operators are required to maintain the power lines and poles that they own, customers with privately-owned power lines are required to do the same. Homes without power Meanwhile, 1000 homes continue to be without power today. A Western Power spokeswoman said inspectors were waiting to be given the all-clear to inspect the damage. "Western Power hopes to be able to get in around the middle of the day today and then we'll be able to very quickly assess the extent of the poles damaged," a spokeswoman said. Already we're arming to deliver all the equipment we need to get it up there on site and ready to start restoring power as soon as we get in. Properties within the boundaries of Alice Road, Trimble Road, Stoneville Road and Gill Road/Milligan Road are without power. Sam has been touted a hero for saving four other families houses from being burnt down. Rob and Sam live on Narla Retreat in Stoneville. Community meeting at 10am The wider community will be told about damage at a community meeting at Brown Park in Swan View at 10am today. Authorities managers are meeting at 8am to assess the situation. A DFES spokesman said it was hoped the contained fire would be brought under control today. He said residents were asked to stay out of the fire affected areas until the road blocks were lifted because spot fires were still flaring Premier cuts short leave The Premier, Colin Barnett, has cut short his annual leave and is working out the details of an assistance package for victims of yesterday's Perth Hills inferno. A spokesman for the Premier said: "Officially he's still on leave but he's in the office this morning. Obviously there will be a short-term assistance package for people who have lost their homes or been affected by the fire and we're working out exactly what that will be this morning. We're in the throes of working that out now and we'll make a statement on that mid-morning I'd expect. Mr Barnett was holidaying at home and did not have to return from overseas or interstate. The details of the assistance package will be updated on PerthNow as soon as they become available. Insurance claims The blaze is still smouldering but Perth Hills residents have already been told to get the ball rolling on their insurance claims. And insurance companies have promised to make the claims of fire-affected homeowners a ``priority. Insurance Council of Australia spokesman Campbell Fuller this morning said the insurance industry was moving quickly to help those in need. ``Anyone who has a policy and who has been affected by the bushfires should contact their insurer as soon as possible and start talking about the claims process and the assistance that the insurer can offer the policy holder," he said. (Bushfire) claims will be prioritised. Cooler conditions The fire alert was downgraded to a watch and act level last night, with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services saying the blaze was contained, but not under control. Cooler conditions today will help firefighters in their battle. DFES confirmed at a community meeting in Swan View that 27 homes had been destroyed. But that number is expected to rise as assessments of the fire zone continue. Geraldton Firefighters are also battling an out of control blaze in Geraldton this morning. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said the fire near Mount Magnet Rd is ``out of control and unpredictable. But there is no immediate threat to lives or homes. ``There is a lot of smoke in the area. The fire is burning approximately 5km north of the road," a spokesman said. The blaze is moving slowly in a north-easterly direction. Firefighters are expecting conditions to change during the day and residents have been urged to stay alert and monitor news updates.