World

Margaret River residents return home after fires

08:11 am on 27 November 2011

Residents of about 500 properties have begun returning to their homes after four days of fires in the Margaret River region in Western Australia.

A roadblock was lifted on Saturday night, allowing residents into the coastal towns of Prevelly and Gnarabup to see how badly their homes were affected.

The ABC reports residents queued on the roads in their cars, with many yet to find out whether or not their homes had survived.

At least 30 homes and chalets were previously confirmed as damaged or destroyed by the fire which started about midday on Wednesday.

The fire began after a controlled burn by the Department of Environment and Conservation.