Powerlines are blamed for a bushfire that destroyed 38 houses in Toodyay, north-east of Perth, in West Australia. About 3000 hectares of bush and farmland were burned.
Western Power says an initial examination of a wooden power pole has indicated a fallen line started the blaze which broke out on Tuesday afternoon.
The ABC reports the company has defended its use of wooden power poles, saying suggestions that steel power poles are a better option are unfounded.
It says wooden poles are superior to steel for several reasons: cost effectiveness, safety and the fact that steel poles can also fail.
In 2007, a schoolteacher was killed near Toodyay after two powerlines clashed and caused a bushfire.
Michelle Mack, 26, died when her car rolled as she attempted to escape.
